Physical and sporting activity is an integral part of a child’s psychomotor learning. It promotes muscle development and the acquisition of balance, coordination of movements and precision. It helps the child to become aware of his body and the perception of it in space (his “body diagram”).
Additionally, studies have shown that children who participate in sports such as track and field or ball sports develop greater bone mass than their sedentary peers and have less risk of osteoporosis in middle age.
The benefits of sport for children
On a psychological level, sport allows you to acquire confidence, autonomy, decision-making and mutual assistance. For restless children, it allows them to release excess energy and learn self-control.
On a social level, sport practiced in a club allows you to develop relationships outside of the school context and based on other requirements. Physical performance, the role within the team and the importance of collective work allow children to acquire qualities in areas beyond the simple framework of physical skills.
Does your child lack exercise?
A few simple tests can help you detect if your child (from 6 years old) lacks exercise.
Lying on the back, legs straight and ankles supported, the child should be able to rise slowly to a sitting position.
Same exercise, lying on your back, but with your knees bent and your ankles also supported.
Lying on his back, hands behind his neck, the child must keep his legs straight 30 cm above the ground for 10 seconds.
Lying on his stomach, on a cushion, hands on the neck, ankles and pelvis held on the ground, the child must lift the trunk and stay like this for 10 seconds.
Lying on his stomach, hands under his forehead, trunk supported, the child must raise his legs straight for 10 seconds.
Standing with bare feet together, the child must try to touch the ground with the tips of their fingers without bending their legs.
Can the child jog for 3 minutes without excessive shortness of breath?
Can the child balance on one foot for 30 seconds?
A child should be able to complete most of these exercises.
