6-9 years
Just because the kids are now at school, it's no excuse to stop getting active with them.
Building on their early physical development will benefit them more than just physically. It will also enhance their mental, social and emotional abilities, which will stay with them through to adulthood.
Below are some activities you and your child can do that are fun, easy and require little time or money - just a bit of energy and enthusiasm!
Activity ideas
- The more the merrier! Meet and greet some of the other parents at your child's school and set up some fun activities you can all take part in - such as a game of Kilikiti (Samoan cricket) or Ultimate Frisbee.
- You don't have to go out to get active; there are a million ways to Push Play at home. Build an obstacle course around the lounge or in the garden; a game of Hide and Seek always gets the kids going; and cranking up the music can make their chores seem like fun - sort of!
- Join the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to have a say in your child's activity programme at school. While you're at it, why not arrange a fun activity day for everyone or a games event with a neighbouring school?
- Tana says Team-Up! Check out the Team-Up website - it's a great way to find out how to get really involved with your kids, their teachers and the rest of your family, to encourage and support your kids as they learn.
- Arts and crafts don't have to be sedentary - they can be a lot of active fun too. In fact, you'll be feeling pretty puffed after you and the kids spend an afternoon making and flying a kite, building and breaking a pinata or designing and playing with poi.
- Travelling to and from school is the perfect Push Play Parent opportunity. Work with other parents to set up a walking school bus or cycling group.
- Get involved in developing your community to make it Push Play-friendly for your kids. Lobby for a playground in your area and roads that are safe for kids (eg, with road signs and judder bars). Encourage your council to design walkways through parks and reservoirs.
- Help your kids with their knowledge and skills in a range of sports and recreational activities by learning more yourself. Check out SPARC's Coach Force programme to help you get the ball rolling.
- Healthy eating is half the battle in healthy living, so watch what your child eats, and watch them grow up - not out! Remember, it's a balance between energy in and energy out.
So there you have it - it's easy being a Push Play Parent, and it's fun being a Push Play Parent's kid.
More info and resources
Check out the Push Play action packs.
For more activities, resources and information, see our 6-9 Useful links page or contact your local regional sports trust on 0800 ACTIVE.
If you or your child have a disability, visit the Halberg Trust website to find out who your local sport opportunity advisor is and how they can help.
