Why Do Children Need Active Play?

For a child, movement is not just entertainment but natural fuel for brain development, a strong immune system and healthy bones. A lack of it quickly leads to postural defects, problems with concentration and difficult emotions. The good news? You don't need expensive, organised training sessions – the key is spontaneous play at home and outdoors. Read the article and find out how easy it is to meet WHO recommendations with a simple activity pyramid.

What are the effects of a lack of movement in children?

When a child spends most of the day sitting down – first at a school desk and then in front of the TV or with a phone in hand – their body starts sending out warning signals. A lack of adequate activity doesn't simply mean being "less fit". The consequences can be far more serious:

• Postural defects – Prolonged sitting weakens the back and abdominal muscles, which leads to scoliosis, contractures and spinal problems in the future.

• Delayed motor development – Children who move little have noticeable problems with coordination, keeping their balance and overall agility.

• Difficulties with learning and concentration – An oxygen-deprived brain works more slowly. A lack of movement translates directly into problems focusing attention at school or nursery.

• Emotional problems – Excessive excitability may appear (a child is "bursting" with energy they have no way to release) or, on the contrary, apathy and constant fatigue.

• Lifestyle diseases – A slowed metabolism, the risk of constipation and, in the longer term, being overweight, obesity and circulatory problems.

Why are movement and physical activity so important in childhood?

Movement isn't just a way to "tire out" a child so they fall asleep more quickly (although that's a nice side effect too). Above all, it's fuel for the whole body. Here are the key areas that activity influences:

1. Development of the brain and nervous system

While jumping, playing tag or climbing, thousands of new neural connections form in a child's brain. Movement stimulates sensory integration, teaches the brain to manage emotions and improves memory. Interestingly, simple games imitating the sounds and movements of animals (e.g. a frog or a lion) also engage the mouth and... support the proper development of speech.

2. Building a strong body

In childhood, bones and muscles grow intensively. Running and jumping increase bone density, which protects against osteoporosis in adult life. What's more, the development of so-called gross motor skills (whole-body fitness) is the foundation for developing fine motor skills – the precise movements of the hands and fingers needed to learn writing and drawing.

3. A shield for the immune system

Regular movement improves blood circulation, so that nutrients and oxygen reach the cells faster. Active children have a stronger immune system, get ill less often and, if they do catch an infection, they usually get through it far more mildly.

4. Mental health and self-confidence

Movement releases endorphins – the happiness hormones. It helps a child release stress, teaches perseverance and how to cope with defeats in team games, and builds a sense of self-worth.

What is active play?

Many parents fall into the trap of thinking that a child's physical activity has to mean expensive, organised sports classes three times a week under a coach's supervision. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Active play is any form of activity that brings a child joy and engages their body. It is natural, spontaneous and often requires no specialist equipment.

Active play includes:

• Jumping through puddles on a rainy day (all you need is wellies and a raincoat).

• A home-made obstacle course built from cushions, chairs and blankets.

• Classic games of hopscotch, elastics, hide-and-seek or "statues" in the yard.

• Dancing to favourite music in the living room.

• Trips to the playground together – ladders and swings are brilliant gymnastic equipment.

• And even... helping with everyday chores. Letting your little one carry dishes to the table or tidying up toys together is also a great way to get them moving.

What kind of movement for a child? – A pyramid by age

How can you wisely plan a child's activity throughout the week? It's worth following the principles of the physical activity pyramid, which suggests what should be the foundation of every day and what should be strictly limited.

#Good to know: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents (aged 5–18) spend a minimum of 60 minutes a day on moderate physical activity.