Involving your child in physical activities can help them
in many ways, including maintaining their muscle strength and making
them feel better about themselves.
Ways that physical activity can benefit your child
include:
- the chance to mix with
friends, siblings and family
- help with weight
control
- keeping muscle strength
and motor abilities
- having fun
- helping with
fitness
- making new
friends
- feeling better about
themselves
Long-term benefits for your child include:
- better health as an
adult
- healthier weight as an
adult
How can your child be
involved in physical activity?
Unstructured physical activity
Unstructured physical activity includes general mobility and
play and can happen at home, in the backyard, at school or at the
playground. Your child may need equipment (such as a supportive
walker) that allows them to stand with their hands free, or a
modified bicycle so they can make the most of playtime.
Research has shown that reducing the amount of time your child
spends watching television or using a computer will increase the
amount of unstructured physical activity they will do.
Structured physical activity
Many organisations provide a chance for a child with a physical disability to be involved in both individual and
team physical activities. Many of these organisations have leaders
who are specifically trained in this area, or who are happy to work
with your child's physiotherapist to include your child.
Key points to remember
- Increase your child's
physical activity levels by reducing the amount of time watching
television and playing electronic games.
- Your child's
physiotherapist can recommend appropriate physical activities for
your child.
For more
information
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Paediatric
Rehabilitation Service. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed August 2020.
Kids
Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To
donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.