Sedentarism in Children: How to Identify it and What Causes It

Prevent Sedentarism with the Best Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL

As insecurity grows and more at-home entertainment options emerge, children spend more time in sitting or reclining positions instead of running, jumping, and playing around. As parents, reversing this phenomenon can be hard. 

Sedentarism in children is a growing problem. In addition to signing them up for the best preschool in Boynton Beach, FL, here are some tips for healthier development for your children. 

Best Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL Explains Sedentarism

Sedentarism in Children: A Growing Concern 

The definition of sedentary behavior is any waking state—that is, not sleeping—where less than 1.5 metabolic energy equivalents are used. Watching television or using computers excessively are examples of sedentary behavior that harms kids’ health and well-being. 

Nonetheless, this behavior is common among younger generations, particularly with new technologies. Children worldwide watch TV for over two hours every day, and their use of phones and laptops is growing significantly each year. 

Children also participate in various other sedentary activities, such as sitting in class and doing their homework, in addition to screen time. According to US and European studies, kids are sedentary for about eight hours every day. 

This can be very damaging to their health long-term. It has been established that these kinds of actions are significant risk factors for the emergence of diseases like high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease.  

What Causes Sedentarism in Children? 

Understanding the underlying factors that correlate with children’s sedentary behavior is essential to help curb this growing trend. The causes are multifaceted and include environmental, sociocultural, and geographic elements. 

Increased Screen Time 

One of the most widely recognized causes of sedentarism (in both children and adults) is the rise of digital technology. Children are spending more and more time on screens, including TV, video games, and computers, which greatly reduces opportunities for physical activity. 

Social media has also contributed to the increased screen time. Children may be diverted from physical activities by online interactions, choosing to interact with peers virtually instead of playing sports or outdoor games. 

Lack of Outdoor Spaces 

Limited access to safe and engaging outdoor play areas can discourage children from being active. Urbanization and development often result in fewer parks and recreational facilities. 

Safety concerns add up to this. Children in insecure areas tend to spend much more screen time as parents may restrict outdoor play due to fear of traffic, crime, or environmental hazards.  

Structured Schedules 

Busy family schedules filled with academic, extracurricular, and social commitments can limit free time for physical activity. Overscheduling may leave little room for play and movement. Many schools also emphasize academic performance over physical education, reducing opportunities for active play. 

Overscheduling can also lead to stress and lack of motivation, reducing their physical activities as children may not feel interested. 

Peer Influence 

Social dynamics can play a significant role in children’s activity levels. If their friends prioritize sedentary activities, children may follow suit, leading to a cycle of inactivity. Similarly, children often model their behaviors after their parents, so children are more likely to adopt similar habits if caregivers lead a sedentary lifestyle. 

However, this also means that peer influence can successfully reverse sedentary habits. In fact, according to statistics, parental support and shared activities helped decrease children’s sedentary behavior. 

Health Issues 

Chronic health problems or disabilities can limit a child’s ability to engage in physical activities. Conditions such as obesity, asthma, or joint problems may discourage movement. 

Best Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL Explains Signs of Sedentarism

Signs of Sedentarism in Children 

As sedentary behaviors become more widespread, identifying the signs of sedentarism can be hard. Moreover, there isn’t a clear line between what’s a normal amount of sitting still for a kid and what begins to become a worrisome state. 

However, identifying potential sedentary habits early can help parents and caregivers encourage more active lifestyles. Some indicators to look out for include: 

  • Excessive Screen Time: Kids using computers, tablets, or smartphones for several hours daily are likelier to be sedentary. It is advised to limit recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day. 
  • Physical Inactivity: Sedentarism may be indicated by a conspicuous lack of involvement in school sports or physical education programs. Children who are not involved in any form of regular physical activity may be at risk. 
  • Weight Gain: A sedentary lifestyle may cause sudden or gradual weight gain. Children who are not active burn fewer calories, which can raise their body weight. 
  • Coordination Issues: Children who spend much time sitting still may have trouble balancing and coordinating their movements. Limited movement can hinder motor skills development, making activities requiring coordination more challenging. 
  • Fatigue and Low Energy: Feelings of fatigue can result from a lack of physical activity. Sedentary children may complain of fatigue more frequently because inactivity can lower stamina and energy levels. 
  • Social Withdrawal: Sedentary kids can also exhibit social withdrawal symptoms. They might rather play video games alone than participate in team sports or outdoor activities with friends. 
  • Bad Posture: Sitting for extended periods, particularly in front of screens, can cause bad posture. Children who are overly sedentary may exhibit slouching or other postural problems, which parents may observe. 
  • Academic Performance Decline: A sedentary lifestyle can also impact cognitive function. Given that physical activity is associated with better brain health, children may show a decline in focus and general academic performance. 

By being aware of these indicators, parents and other adults can proactively encourage physical activity and help kids lead more balanced lives. 

Dangers of Sedentarism According to a Best Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL

Foster a Healthier Life for Your Child with the Best Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL 

Sedentarism, or a lifestyle characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity, can significantly impact children’s physical and mental health. While it’s common for children to spend a lot of time sitting, like when they’re in class, for example, it’s important for parents to look for ways to foster more active lifestyles outside class. 

Here at Neighborhood Kids, we strive to teach children positive habits since they are young. If you’d like to learn more about our classes and extracurricular activities to prevent sedentarism, reach out! 

Extracurricular Activities: Why Joining a Club Can Be Crucial to Your Child’s Health

Sign In Your Kid to a Daycares in Lake Worth FL with ECAs

When your children are around the age of five, they’ll have the discipline and motor skills to start participating in organized tasks. For that reason, it’s the perfect moment to start considering signing them up for extracurricular activities, be it outside school or at daycares in Lake Worth, FL. 

Participating in these kinds of activities can benefit your child’s health in more ways than one. To help you help them make the most out of their infancy, we’ll cover some of them. 

Daycares in Lake Worth FL with Extracurricular Activities

What Are Extracurricular Activities? 

There is no widely accepted professional definition of extracurricular activities.  

According to UNESCO, extracurricular activities, also known as ECAs, are a variety of events planned outside of the regular school day, curriculum, or course to pursue students’ interests. 

Many schools and community organizations give kids numerous chances to participate in after-school programs, sports, and interest groups because they believe these activities help develop soft skills like resilience and self-worth and help them become engaged community members.  

ECAs can be broad and include a variety of extracurricular activities that are available beyond the required curriculum, including: 

  • Individual and team sports 
  • Clubs based on cultural backgrounds or interests 
  • Visual arts 
  • Performing arts 
  • Martial arts

Exploring the Benefits of Extracurricular Activities 

Because there’s no unique definition of what ECAs entail, there’s not much research on its specific benefits to children. However, among the fragmented studies, the one agreement seems to be that extracurricular involvement can help school-age children in the following ways: 

Physical Development Benefits 

Oftentimes, ECAs help children engage in physical activities, fostering their development and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. Activities like team sports or dancing teach children coordination, motor skills, and body awareness. Over time, this can increase their flexibility, agility, and endurance. 

More importantly, fostering physical fitness from an early age can discourage sedentary behavior, a big problem for today’s children, and support a healthier lifestyle. 

Cognitive Development Benefits 

Participation in extracurricular activities also positively impacts children’s cognitive development. Tasks like solving a puzzle, making art, or taking part in a debate offer opportunities for decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

Through them, children can improve their cognitive abilities while learning to think creatively and use their imagination. 

Social Development Benefits 

One of the bigger benefits of extracurricular activities is that they offer an ideal environment for social development. 

Children who participate in group activities develop their ability to collaborate and work as a team as they learn to work toward a common objective. They hone their interpersonal and communication skills by engaging with peers with similar interests.  

Additionally, these activities give them the chance to meet new people, broaden their social network, and foster enduring bonds. These interactions and encouragement from their peers can help children grow confident and feel self-assured. 

Emotional Development Benefits 

Besides the positive result of social interactions, ECAs can positively impact children’s emotional well-being. These activities allow kids to express their feelings healthily and productively, like painting, playing an instrument, or performing on stage. 

This creative outlet can help release pent-up emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. Children who participate in extracurricular activities also gain coping mechanisms and resilience, which empowers them to face obstacles and failures head-on. 

Character Development Benefits 

Extracurricular activities often help children develop character and independence by encouraging discipline. Kids who participate in clubs actively learn time management skills, balancing school with their club’s commitments. 

ECAs also foster perseverance, teaching children to keep on trying even when the results aren’t as expected. Children who participate in leadership roles or show initiative during group projects can also grow in their empathy, responsibility, and decision-making capacity. 

Career and Future Benefits 

The benefits of extracurricular activities can go well beyond infancy, even influencing children’s future career paths. ECAs give children an opportunity to explore their interests, passions, and talents, discovering hidden talents early on and developing skills that may be crucial for their desired career paths—like decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

Even future college applications can benefit from involvement in noteworthy extracurricular activities, which show a well-rounded personality and a dedication to personal development. 

Benefits of Daycares in Lake Worth FL with Extracurricular Activities

Finding the Right Extracurricular Activity for Your Kid: Our Tips 

As you can see, extracurricular activities are crucial to a child’s development. However, choosing the best options for your child can be difficult and stressful because there are so many options. 

To help you, here are some tips for picking the right ECAs for your kid: 

Understand Their Interests and Strengths 

When selecting extracurricular activities for their kids, parents often make the mistake of forcing their interests on them. Instead of pressuring them to engage in activities that are popular or traditional or ones that you enjoy, concentrate on their strengths and interests. After all, they won’t be committed to something they do not like. 

If they seem unsure about their preferences, too, you can enroll them in various classes so that they can experience different activities. By exposing them to different environments, you can work together to find one they’re passionate about and comfortable in. 

Balance School and After-School Life 

When choosing extracurriculars, don’t overwhelm your child’s (and your) schedule. Make sure you and your partner have the time to drive them to and from activities and that you can handle the added tasks beforehand. If not, you could end up asking them to drop their ECAs once they’re involved and committed to them. 

Pay attention to their state and ensure that they’re not overwhelmed with their activities, too. Sometimes, a preschool with an all-inclusive curriculum that encompasses ECAs can be the best course of action for families. 

Involving Your Child in the Decision-Making Process 

Your child must be included in the entire selection process. Even though very young children might not benefit from this, your grade-schooler will value that you include them in the choice of activities.  

Encourage honest conversations with your child and reassure them that their viewpoint is valued. 

Daycares in Lake Worth FL with ECAs

Foster Your Children’s Growth with Engaging Daycares in Lake Worth, FL 

Extracurricular activities are more than a way to keep your children engaged while you rest: They’re a source of knowledge, mental and physical stimuli, and long-lasting friendships. As children age, their chances of joining clubs and student organizations will increase. It’s important to support them as parents to help them make the most of them. 

Be it by driving them back and forth or simply giving moral encouragement, your attitude can help a lot in allowing them to enjoy all the benefits of extracurricular activities. If you’d like to learn more about all that we have to offer your children here at Neighborhood Kids, reach out! 

Children and Screen Times: How to Protect Your Child from Technology Consumption

Preschool in Delray Beach Explains Risks of Excessive Screen Use in Children

It’s no surprise that excessive screen time can have severe consequences for a child’s growth and infancy. And, while finding a preschool in Delray Beach that limits screen time can do wonders in reducing their technology consumption, the work we do at home is crucial, too. 

In the past two decades, technology and screens have evolved rapidly. The first iPhone was released only 13 years ago, the iPad 10 years ago, and Netflix opened its streaming services in 2007. Given how recent some of these developments feel, it can be hard to gauge their effects on young children and their education. 

However, we created this guide to help you gain the knowledge you need to better protect your child from overexposure. 

Preschool in Delray Beach Explains Why Being Bored Is Good for Your Child

What the Experts Say About Screen Exposure

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against allowing children to use screens until they are 18 to 24 months old—except for video chatting with mom and dad, if necessary. When they’re between the ages of two and five, they should not spend more than an hour a day on screens. 

As they become older, parents can slowly begin to negotiate guidelines and restrictions regarding screen time. The World Health Organization recommends similar screen time regulations to prevent sedentary behavior and sleep problems for young children.  

Sadly, while there seems to be consensus on the amount of ‘healthy’ screen time for children, these guidelines aren’t often enforced. 

A study conducted by Weiwei Chen states that, as of 2014, 2-year-old children in the United States spent an average of 3 hours and 3 minutes a day on screens. In comparison, the average screen time in 1997 was 1 hour and 19 minutes a day. 

Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children

The biggest challenge for studies regarding the effect of screens on kids is that it can be hard to isolate the consequences of digital media consumption from all the other experiences kids are exposed to. However, certain professionals were able to gather data, and the results aren’t encouraging. 

A study by the University of Calgary showed that more screen time per week at ages 24 and 36 months was associated with lower performance on behavioral, cognitive, and social development screening tests. 

Sadly, screen exposure can do way worse than affecting your child’s academic performance. Screen time is related to less attention, interruptions, literacy challenges, and even less reliance on imagination and visualization. 

The Lie of Digital Media Education

One reason screen consumption is becoming more widespread is the development of baby and toddler digital content. These videos often promise to become a source of enrichment and education, but the truth is that they aren’t an effective teaching tool for children. 

A 2005 study found that television viewing consistently failed to teach kids ages two and younger as much as live interaction. Scientists tried showing toddlers a video of an experimenter hiding a toy in the room next door. They then instructed toddlers to locate it, but the findings revealed that children immediately struggled to locate the toy in the room. 

It may seem surprising, but babies and toddlers are very good at differentiating screens from “real life.” Kids don’t believe that videos are relevant to real life, so they simply don’t learn its content. That appears to be the case until they are about three years old. 

However, in the same study, examiners tried to disguise the screen to make it look like a window. When they were informed that they were looking through a window, kids were willing to learn and were able to locate the toy. 

Why Our Preschool in Delray Beach Recommends Reading Aloud

Tips to Limit Screen Time for Busy Parents 

Unfortunately, screen time has become so common for several reasons. Most parents say they lacked access to reasonably priced alternative sources of entertainment.  

Whatever the reason, there are several things you can do to limit screen time for your children—or at least diminish its effects. 

1. Read Aloud to Your Young Child 

Reading a book out loud can have several benefits for your child. It not only opens the gate to literacy and fosters imagination, but it also helps them develop self-control and increase their attention spans. 

However, storytelling from a digital device doesn’t engage attention as much as interactive storytelling from a real human does. Children listening to stories via a screen showed no effect or improvement on the attention network, so make sure to read to them or find reading programs in local libraries. 

2. Avoid Unmonitored Device Time 

One of the biggest early childhood milestones is developing the ability to interact with others. Children learn this thanks to rewarding feelings associated with positive interactions with friends and family, such as funny moments, laughter, and praise.  

This unique type of interaction cannot be replaced with an unmoderated screen. Even if you let your child use devices, it’s important as a parent to be physically present and personally interact with them and the platforms. For instance, make sure to maintain eye contact with your child. 

If they cannot take their gaze away from the screen, they can touch the child and say, ‘Did you see it?’ before returning their gaze to the adult. This turns alone screen time into a real moment of enrichment between parent and child. 

3. Keep the Phone Away 

Studies show that the mere presence of a smartphone can be distracting for a child. It was discovered that when the smartphone was present, brain activity in kids was similar to what is expected in children with attention difficulties. 

On the other hand, when performing the same task without a smartphone in the area, kids did not exhibit these attention deficits. 

4. Let Children Be Bored 

If you go back to your childhood, you can trace back that feeling of boring summer afternoons with nothing to do. While boredom may have felt exasperating, we can assure you that being bored is good. 

Children need to experience boredom to help develop attention, creativity, and self-sufficiency. When bored, kids look for opportunities to find entertainment. They use their imagination and creativity to solve problems, developing independence and further self-awareness. 

However, when screens are used as a strategy to keep children occupied, all of these opportunities are lost. 

Preschool in Delray Beach Explains How to Regulate Screen Time

Foster a Healthy Education with our Preschool in Delray Beach

Nowadays, the youth faces many challenges. As screens continue to become widespread, more and more parents will have to find alternatives to providing their children with healthy education while ensuring a happy and fulfilling youth. In that process, face-to-face interactions are key. 

At Neighborhood Kids, we strive to become a place for enrichment and happiness for your child. Contact us today and learn more about all the things that we do to ensure that! 

Making the Most of their Infancy: Understanding How Toddlers Learn

Ensure the Best Toddler Education in Royal Palm Beach FL

While mandatory schooling begins around age 6 in the United States, there’s no age for learning. From the moment they’re born, babies start looking at the new world that surrounds them with curious eyes, and if you’re a parent dedicated to their education, there are several things you can do to foster their knowledge—like finding them a preschool with the best toddler education in Royal Palm Beach, FL. 

However, to start fostering your baby’s growth and take action to help them discover the world around them, understanding how toddlers learn is key. After all, a 5-year-old brain is different than a 2-year-old, and so on. This guide explores how toddlers learn to help you understand your baby and their little heads better. 

What Is the Best Toddler Education in Royal Palm Beach FL

Their First Steps into a New World

As babies begin to move from crawling to walking, they enter what’s known as the toddler stage. This important milestone marks the beginning of a new period of their lives, filled with new funny experiences, interesting discoveries, and painful bumps. 

Being able to toddle around the home on their own opens the door for babies to start learning more and more about their environment each day. Toddlers are very curious, and they will be very keen to explore their surroundings to learn key skills and information—much to their parents’ dismay, sometimes. During these times, remembering to leave the outside door closed is key. 

Each child’s growth and development will occur at its own pace, but in some cases, the desire to try and learn new things can manifest as anger. After all, this age is often referred to as ‘the “terrible two’” for a reason. 

As children reach the age of two, they’ll attempt to become more independent, which may translate into more frequent mood swings and impatience when things don’t go as they expect. It’s important for parents to understand a toddler’s need to try and do things on their own and support them. 

So, How Do Toddlers Learn?

Toddlers learn constantly and in many ways.  

They gain a better understanding of their surroundings by watching and observing what is going on around them, both at home and when out and about. They also learn to understand and speak language by listening to conversations between family members. 

Moreover, by asking lots of questions about things they don’t understand or want to learn more about, they satiate their curiosity while building a bond of trust with their caregivers (that’s you!). 

Learning Through Play

All children love playing, and it is very enjoyable. It has the bonus of helping children learn, too. According to UNICEF, play is an important part of your child’s learning and growth, as it allows them to explore their environment, practice developing skills, and bond with others. 

Key skills such as problem-solving, physical skills, reading, number skills, and social skills can be learned through activities as simple as playing house, mimicking adults, or making up new worlds with other children. 

Playtime will change as your baby gets older, depending on their developing skills. However, it is beneficial to promote play from an early age; different forms of play are ideal. Some games to encourage toddlers to learn are: 

Provide the Best Toddler Education in Royal Palm Beach FL

Household Helper

Ask your toddler to assist with age-appropriate housework, such as serving lunch or organizing clothes. Try making it into a game and letting them know how helpful they are! 

  • How your child benefits: By demonstrating to your child that they are an important family member, you may help them develop independence and self-worth. 

Budding Artist

Create simple art projects with your toddler, such as drawings, finger paintings, or arranging items found outside, such as shells or pebbles. When they are finished, place them where your child can see them. 

  • How your child benefits: Allowing your child’s imagination to run wild through art encourages creativity and independence. 

Tower Tumbler

Build a tower with blocks or other safely stackable objects, then let your toddler knock it down. 

  • How your child benefits: Your child will enjoy watching their creation fall down, and they will also be working on their fine motor skills by using both hands together. 

Talk, Talk, and Talk!

Experts recommend that you narrate your day to your child. Talk about what you are doing while you are doing it; this is an excellent way to expose your toddler to various new words throughout the day. 

  • How your child benefits: Between 18 months and two years, most children learn one new word per week and can say 50 to 100 words by the age of two. The more you communicate with your toddler, the more words they will learn. 

A Game of Opposites

Show your toddler a series of basic pictures, one at a time. Let’s say the first one depicts the sun. When you show it to your child, ask them to say ‘night’ rather than ‘day.’ 

  • How your child benefits: This particular type of play emphasizes self-regulation and impulse control. The goal is to teach your toddler to stop, think for a moment, and override the response that comes first. 

Share the Bible

If you’re Christian, you’ll probably want to share your beliefs with your toddler. While there’s no set age to introduce a child to religion, sharing the Bible can be a great way to show them the world and improve their language skills.  

  • How your child benefits: Bible readings—using age-appropriate Bibles, of course—can give your child an opportunity to learn about God, practice reading, improve their language skills, and even share a special moment with you! 

Best Toddler Education in Royal Palm Beach FL

Give Your Baby the Best Toddler Education in Royal Palm Beach, FL

Once a toddler learns to walk, there is no turning back. They will want to continue moving and honing this newfound ability. As they gain control of their bodies and learn about their own skills, your child will be running, jumping, and climbing in no time. 

This development is natural, but we can always do things to foster it and ensure it takes place in a safe environment. By fostering a love for learning, curiosity, and resilience from a young age, you’ll give your children valuable tools and prepare them for what’s to come. 

Once your child is old enough, Neighborhood Kids is here to help you ensure your child receives the best education. If you want to learn more about our curriculum or are interested in our extracurricular activities, reach out!