Benefits of Play
Don't overlook the obvious
by Diane Alpeter
Playing with your child has numerous benefits besides just having fun.
Dr. Claire Leblanc, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness said, “Children need to spend quality time with their parents and this is a great opportunity to build on existing bonds and develop new understandings between family members.”
Actively playing with children when walking, running or climbing burns 3.5 to 7 calories a minute, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Other moderate activities in this category include jumping on a trampoline, coaching children’s sports, and recreational swimming.
Parents may burn even more calories during more vigorous play. More than 7 calories a minute may be expended in the following activities: skating at a brisk pace, karate, jumping rope, football, basketball, soccer, kickball, swimming laps, and skipping.
“Physical activity benefits children in many ways,” said Leblanc. “It keeps them at a healthy weight (reducing risks for high blood pressure, type II diabetes, etc.), gets them socially interactive, develops positive self-esteem, and many more.”
All adolescents should be physically active nearly everyday, according to the CDC. Elementary school-aged children should accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of developmentally appropriate physical activities on most days. CDC further states some of the child’s play should include 10 to 15 minutes of vigorous activity.
“One of our goals is to create a stronger bond with dad and mom and child,” said Susan Simms, Armed Services YMCA Branch and Corporate Relations manager. The Mommy and Me program at the YMCA focuses on preschool-aged children. This free program offers information and activities centered on nutrition and fitness.
“One of the things we [YMCA] have found out about parents is they are challenged on the amount of time they have to spend with their children, and they want the time spent to be in a valued way,” said Janice Williams, vice president for program development.
Guided playing is one of the most important ways to create a sense of belonging and a sense of respect within a family, Williams said. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington in Washington, D.C., family activities include game nights and family dances or sock hops.
“Getting these parents together also helps them create a network,” Williams said. “Parents can see and meet others who face and deal with the same challenges.”
In one Texas city, parents returning from recent deployments are using play to make up for lost time with their children.
“We have had more coaches,” said Brett Williams, City of Killeen Parks and Recreation athletic superintendent. “Parents wanted more opportunities to be with their children. They value every moment because they don’t know if they will be redeploying.”
Parents and children who play together are forming values of fitness and healthy self-image that will last a lifetime.