ParticipACTION’S
backpack must-haves to encourage active play this school year
Canadian
parents look to structured activities to get their kids moving, but let’s not
forget about the importance of free, unstructured play. The before-, during-
and after-school periods are opportune times for spontaneous, outdoor play and
getting to and from places on foot. For back-to-school, ParticipACTION provides
parents with a few backpack must-haves to encourage their children to be active
throughout the school day.
“Sport leagues,
programs and school activities are essential, valuable components of getting
our kids to more active, but kids need to do more than that, and more often,”
says Elio Antunes, president and CEO of ParticipACTION. “Our kids are
missing out on opportunities for spontaneous movement—such as getting to places
on foot and playing freely outdoors. So, let’s pack our kids’ backpacks
for active play!”
Pedometer:
Let children log
the total amount of steps they take in a day and make a game out of getting
healthy.
Rubber
ball/chalk/skipping rope:
63 per cent of kids’ free time is spent being sedentary, so send kids to school
with something to encourage spontaneous, active games with friends.
Mobile
phone:
Parents worry about the safety of their kids. A phone can help them stay in
touch while their kids walk to and from school, or play outside with friends.
Jacket: Weather is one barrier
to active play, so make sure children are ready for rain or shine.
Sun
hat and sunscreen:
Kids need a sun hat and sunscreen in order to protect them from the rays and
enjoy outdoor play.
Helmet:
Wheeling to and
from school will quickly add up to a much healthier lifestyle, as will walking
or running. With 62 per cent of parents saying their children are always
driven to and from school, why not let them walk or wheel?
It’s important
for parents to remember not to over-pack. Experts recommend that kids carry no
more than 10-15 per cent of their total body weight.
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