Children need at least an hour of physical activity every day to stay healthy, but which types of play are right for your child?

Click on the buttons below to learn the average ages when children reach milestones in physical development, and the physical activities and games that are best at each stage.

-5 years old

At 3-5, children aren't ready for competition or organized sports. They have a limited understanding of teamwork, strategy or rules. Individualized activities are more appropriate.

• Encourage your 3-5-year-old to climb, hang, walk, run, jump, hop, skip, gallop, slide, leap, pull, push, pedal, bat, kick, throw, strike (with paddles/rackets), and swing.
• Use games like 'Hokey-Pokey' and 'Simon Says' to teach left and right.
• Play 'Follow the Leader' to foster balance and coordination.

6-8 years old

6-8-year-olds still aren't ready for competition, but they are ready to start practicing teamwork in a non-competitive environment. They can:

• Play group games with small teams of 2-3 children. For example: Instead of trying basketball, take turns seeing how many balls each team can get in the basket.
• Learn how to swim, ice skate, rollerblade, or ride a bicycle.
• Dance or do gymnastics.
• Play catch with different kinds of balls, varying the distance, height and speed of the tosses.

9-11 years old

Most children are ready to try almost any activity, though weight training should wait until puberty.

• Many 9-11-year-olds begin to focus on specific athletic interests. Your child might prefer individual sports to team sports, or outdoor adventures like hiking or biking over indoor activities like dance.
• It's important to respect the interests of your child and support him. Encourage sportsmanship, and make sure your kids are working with qualified coaches in supportive environments

12-16 years old

If your teenager is athletic, encourage exploring new physical challenges while striking a balance between sports/exercise and other responsibilities. In addition to their other favorite activities, active teens are ready to try:

• Skiing
• Mountain Climbing
• Water-Skiing

Adolescents who shy away from organized sports should still exercise regularly. They may be interested in:

• Dance
• Weight training
• Biking
• Hiking
• Martial arts
• Swimming
• Aerobics
• Rollerblading

ACT ON IT!

Now that you know the kinds of activities your children are ready for, try to make time in your life to get out there and be active with them.

Or use community resources like schools, clubs, and city recreation departments to find out where you can get your kids started.

source:webmd