Parenting guide
Article overview
Play Together, Get ActivePlay is essential for learning, healthy development, and strong relationships.Children Need to Move Their Bodies OftenChildren need a total of 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Try to spend at least 20 minutes of that time actively playing together. Play builds critical skills for children and strengthens your bond with them.Seven Benefits of Playing Together- A natural brain booster: Physical play stimulates brain growth and supports better school performance.
- Stronger relationships and friendships: Shared play time builds trust and teaches children how to cooperate and handle competition.
- Problem-solving skills: Taking turns and following game rules teaches children self-control and patience.
- Healthy habits: Active play replaces sitting idly in front of TVs or personal devices.
- Emotional intelligence: Play helps children learn empathy, fairness, and how to manage their own feelings.
- Health and fitness: Movement builds strong bodies, improves heart health, and helps everyone sleep better.
- Joy and laughter: Shared play cuts down on stress and brings happiness to the whole family.
Dial Down StressA small amount of stress is normal, but high or constant stress causes harm. It impacts brain development, learning, and overall physical and mental health. Stress can also damage relationships when we act or speak out of frustration. Managing stress helps both adults and children thrive.Tips for Coping with Household Stress- Set realistic goals: Let go of perfectionism and be kind to yourself.
- Move your body: Walk, run, dance, or exercise to release tension.
- Pause before reacting: Protect your relationships by taking a moment to breathe during hard times.
- Take tech time-outs: Turn off TVs and devices for quiet, calm family time.
- Model healthy habits: Show children how you handle stress in calm ways.
- Use quick stress reducers: Try brief breathing exercises or short meditations anywhere.
- Focus on positivity: Share happy memories, photos, and laughter.
Play Together, Get Active
Play is essential for learning, healthy development, and strong relationships.
Children Need to Move Their Bodies Often
Children need a total of 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Try to spend at least 20 minutes of that time actively playing together. Play builds critical skills for children and strengthens your bond with them.
Seven Benefits of Playing Together
- A natural brain booster: Physical play stimulates brain growth and supports better school performance.
- Stronger relationships and friendships: Shared play time builds trust and teaches children how to cooperate and handle competition.
- Problem-solving skills: Taking turns and following game rules teaches children self-control and patience.
- Healthy habits: Active play replaces sitting idly in front of TVs or personal devices.
- Emotional intelligence: Play helps children learn empathy, fairness, and how to manage their own feelings.
- Health and fitness: Movement builds strong bodies, improves heart health, and helps everyone sleep better.
- Joy and laughter: Shared play cuts down on stress and brings happiness to the whole family.
Dial Down Stress
A small amount of stress is normal, but high or constant stress causes harm. It impacts brain development, learning, and overall physical and mental health. Stress can also damage relationships when we act or speak out of frustration. Managing stress helps both adults and children thrive.
Tips for Coping with Household Stress
- Set realistic goals: Let go of perfectionism and be kind to yourself.
- Move your body: Walk, run, dance, or exercise to release tension.
- Pause before reacting: Protect your relationships by taking a moment to breathe during hard times.
- Take tech time-outs: Turn off TVs and devices for quiet, calm family time.
- Model healthy habits: Show children how you handle stress in calm ways.
- Use quick stress reducers: Try brief breathing exercises or short meditations anywhere.
- Focus on positivity: Share happy memories, photos, and laughter.
