Enjoy Moving: Establishing Lifelong Exercise Habits for Kids Aged 6-12
Recommended Books
- “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” by John J. Ratey, M.D. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Explains the benefits of physical activity on cognitive and emotional development, helping parents, grandparents, and guardians understand the importance of encouraging regular exercise in children aged 6 to 12. - “The Busy Parent’s Guide to Raising Super Healthy Kids” by Nichole Monteforte [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: This book offers tips and strategies for integrating physical activity into daily routines, assisting parents, grandparents, and guardians in fostering active lifestyles for children aged 6 to 12. - “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Combines insights on brain development with practical advice, helping parents, grandparents, and guardians promote both mental and physical health through active play and exercise for children aged 6 to 12. - “Fit for Life: 10 Steps to a Healthier You” by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: This book guides children toward making healthy choices and understanding the importance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining their well-being for children ages 6 to 12. - “Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and invigorates the Soul” by Stuart Brown. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: Explores the vital role of play in healthy development, underscoring how active plan fosters both physical health and creativity for children aged 6 to 12. - “A Moving Child is a Learning Child” by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Synopsis: This book oOffers practical strategies for promoting physical activity in children aged 6 to 12, helping parents, grandparents, and guardians support their development through movement and play.
Beneficial Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids [LINK]:
- Dosage: 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA combined per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and reduce inflammation, aiding in cognitive function and supporting overall well-being in children aged 6 to 12.
- Vitamin D [LINK]:
- Dosage: 600-1000 IU per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Vitamin D supports bone health and immune function, essential for children aged 6 to 12, especially those with limited sun exposure or dietary intake.
- Probiotics [LINK]:
- Dosage: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for age-appropriate dosing.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Probiotics support digestive health and immune function, aiding in overall well-being and potentially reducing the risk of infections in children aged 6 to 12.
- Multivitamins [LINK]:
- Dosage: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for age-appropriate dosing.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Multivitamins provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in a child’s diet, supporting overall health and filling potential nutritional gaps in children aged 6 to 12.
- Iron [LINK]:
- Dosage: 7-10 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Iron supports energy metabolism and cognitive function, particularly important for children aged 6 to 12 to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
- Magnesium [LINK]:
- Dosage: 80-130 mg per day.
- Frequency: Daily.
- Magnesium supports muscle function and energy production, promoting overall well-being and potentially reducing muscle cramps in children aged 6 to 12.
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) [LINK]:
- Dosage: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for age-appropriate dosing.
- Frequency: Daily.
- B vitamins support energy metabolism and neurological function, contributing to overall well-being and cognitive development in children aged 6 to 12.
Informative Websites
- Kids Health – kidshealth.org
- Synopsis: Provides age-appropriate articles, videos, and interactive tools to educate children about the importance of exercise and healthy living, fostering a positive attitude towards lifelong physical activity.
- Let’s Move! – https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
- Synopsis: Offers resources, tips, and activities endorsed by the former First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage children to stay active, fostering a lifelong habit of regular exercise.
- Active for Life – https://activeforlife.com
- Synopsis: Provides practical advice, games, and activities designed to make physical activity fun and accessible for children, promoting a lifelong love for exercise and movement.
- Healthy Children – HealthyChildren.org
- Synopsis: Offers expert advice and articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to encourage children to lead active lifestyles, laying the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
- The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition – https://health.gov>pcsfn
- Synopsis: Offers resources and initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits among children, empowering them to adopt lifelong healthy habits.
- Shape America – shapeamerica.org
- Synopsis: Provides resources and lesson plans for physical education teachers and parents to promote physical literacy and lifelong participation in physical activity among children.
- Nemours Children’s Health – nemours.org
- Synopsis: Offers articles, quizzes, and games to educate children about the benefits of exercise and healthy living, empowering them to make informed choices for lifelong health and well-being.
Inspiring TED Talks
- “How to make stress your friend” by Kelly McGonigal
Synopsis: Teaches children how to view stress as a positive force and offers strategies for managing it through activities like exercise, fostering a positive mindset towards physical activity and overall well-being. - “The happy secret to better work” by Shawn Achor
Synopsis: Discusses the importance of happiness in achieving success and offers simple exercises, including physical activity, to boost mood and well-being, inspiring children to incorporate exercise into their daily lives for lifelong happiness and health. - “The power of vulnerability” by Brené Brown
Synopsis: Encourages children to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, which includes being active and engaging in physical activities, fostering resilience and a positive self-image crucial for sustaining lifelong healthy exercise habits. - “The transformative power of classical music” by Benjamin Zander
Synopsis: Explores how music can inspire and motivate, suggesting that children can use music during exercise to enhance enjoyment and sustain lifelong healthy habits. - “How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas” by Manoush Zomorodi
Synopsis: Encourages children to embrace boredom and use it as a catalyst for creativity, suggesting that unstructured play and physical activity can stem from moments of boredom, promoting lifelong active habits. - “The art of stillness” by Pico Iyer
Synopsis: Highlights the importance of finding moments of stillness and quiet in our busy lives, suggesting that physical activities like yoga and mindfulness practices can provide opportunities for both physical and mental well-being, promoting lifelong healthy exercise patterns. - “Teach every child about food” by Jamie Oliver
Synopsis: Advocates for teaching children about healthy eating and cooking, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity in promoting lifelong health and well-being.