When someone mentions physical activity, what do you think about? If you’re like most adults, activities such as running on the treadmill, lifting weights or attending a fitness class likely come to mind. These examples are often thought of as the standard for achieving physical wellness for adults, but what about our kids? In reality, physical activity makes up a great deal of the childhood experience for most children. From rolling over to playing tag, children are constantly on the move. This inherent aspect of childhood is why each Balanced Family Academy location features both indoor and outdoor spaces for play.

Why A Separate Space for Play?

Meeting the needs of the children in our care is always our top priority, and providing ample opportunities for movement allows us to meet those needs authentically. Activities like running, jumping, climbing, dancing, and play-wrestling help improve a child’s cardiorespiratory health, build muscle, strengthen bones, and improve their coordination. Additionally, children who participate in regular physical activity get better sleep, experience reduced symptoms of mental health issues, and tend to have more positive academic outcomes compared to their more sedentary peers. 

The benefits of movement, however, are not only physical. Getting active also allows children to practice their problem-solving skills, communicate with others, and experiment with self-control. Learning to listen to their peers when they need a break and recognize this sensation in their own body is crucial to a child’s social-emotional development. 

Meet Them Where They’re At

As mentioned earlier, play and movement are inherent to childhood. Activities like the ones listed above almost always come naturally to children - their bodies know what they need, and as a result, kids will often seek out ways to get this stimulation. At BFA, we believe it is our greatest privilege and a tremendous responsibility to “let them be little” and to keep our expectations developmentally appropriate. Acknowledging the energetic, chaotic, yet joyful nature of childhood and accommodating their need for movement is the first step in meeting each child where they’re at.