Roughly 17 percent of 2 to 19-year-old children in the United States are overweight, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With an increased reliance on television, computers and fast-food, it's easy to see why. Now more than ever, it is crucial to get children moving before the age of 2 in order to reduce their risk for obesity. Fortunately, there are a lot of engaging, affordable and easy-to-do movement activities for toddlers.
Roll it Along
Roll it Along is an appropriate activity if your child is 12 months or older. Sit on a carpeted surface 4 feet across from your toddler. Spread your legs apart and roll the ball toward your child, saying, "Here comes the ball." Your child should trap the ball with his arms or chest. Then encourage him to roll the ball back to you. Your toddler is learning to gain control of his arm movements and this activity will assist with that. It also teaches your child large motor skills, balance and body awareness.
Animal Action
Animal action will provoke your child's curiosity and imitation skills. It enhances body coordination and encourages imagination. All you need is a large space for your 18-month old or older to move. Think of a variety of different animals and how they move. Then jump like a frog, hop like a bunny, slither like a snake, or fly like a bird with your child. To assist with this, show her pictures of animals or use her stuffed animals as visual cues. If you live near a park, take your child there and allow her to observe some of these animals and then imitate the actions with her.
Snowstorm
During the winter months, if your child is 2 or older, you can work on her fine motor skills with an indoor snowstorm. Simply throw cotton balls around the room and then encourage your child to pick them up. After all the cotton balls are collected in a bag or bucket, throw them into the air, allowing them to fall on your child. She can then pick them up again. Snowball Fight enhances gross and fine motor skills and gets your child on board with helping to clean up.
Balloon Fun
Blow up two to three balloons. Then throw them into the air and, with your toddler, try to keep all the balloons in the air. For added safety, put each balloon in a pair of pantyhose. Then, if a balloon pops, the pieces will remain in the pantyhose and your child won't be able to put them in his mouth. Balloon fun will not only get your child moving, but it will enhance gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
