Parents: A Fit Body Boosts Your Child’s Brain Power

If you think your child can fully exercise their brain just by studying, think again.

Physical activity enhances blood flow to your child’s brain, supplying it with essential oxygen and glucose (the brain’s preferred source of energy) and so much more.

Physical activity also triggers the production of chemicals, called nerve growth factors, which appear to extend the life of brain cells and increase their number and the connections between them.

And, activity activates brain cells to release serotonin and norepinephrine, two important biochemical messengers that help sustain attention and the ability to concentrate.

The result: A brain that’s more efficient and adaptive, which translates into better learning and performance for your child.

Research shows active kids do better in school

Research consistently shows that physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing children’s cognitive abilities and academic success.

In one meta-analysis¹ of 31 studies involving children between 6 and 12 years of age, researchers found regular physical activity to be directly linked to a child’s academic performance.

In fact, as little as one bout of activity had an immediate benefit on a child’s ability to pay attention (think focusing in the classroom after playing at recess).

Even better, when physical activity was on a regular basis, it improved all types of mental function: attention, executive function and academic performance.

In other words, active kids who engage in regular activity are better able to focus, learn and excel in school.

Five ways to inspire regular activity

Need some ideas to help your child to become more active? Here are five simple ways to get started:

1. Walk to school. Henry David Thoreau said it best, “An early-morning walk is a blessing for a whole day.” If practical, walk your child to school. It has rewards well beyond physical activity: the giggles from seeing their face reflected in a puddle, the joy of discovering a new bug along the pathway or the delight of spotting a glorious sunflower smiling down from its high perch. Plus, you’ll be making fond memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Take charge. Don’t leave physical activity to the whims of others. Some schools or teachers may encourage enriching physical activities, but sadly, this is no longer the norm. Take charge by planning some of your family time around recreational activities like a hike, a bike ride or a friendly basketball game.

3. Listen to your child. Help your child choose an activity based on their temperament. Kids who thrive on competition and love interacting with others may prefer baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball or another team sport. For kids who prefer a more individual challenge, activities such as cross-country running, singles tennis, martial arts or gymnastics may be a better choice. And, kids who go weak at the knees with the whole win/lose scenario may enjoy hiking, dancing, outdoor play or another activity that encourages a cooperative spirit.

4. Don’t overdo it. Use the sing/talk test. If your child can sing while exercising, the activity may be too easy. If they can only say a few words without pausing to catch their breath, it may be too hard. The key is to find the right balance.    

5. Be a role model for good health. If you want an active child, be active yourself. No amount of talking can ever replace the impact of watching a parent practice what they preach. Your example is the most powerful tool in your toolbox.

Here’s to an active March!

Lorna & Kathleen
Co-authors of Eating for A’s

P.S. Like this tip? For more, check out Eating for A’s: A month-by-month nutrition and lifestyle guide to help raise smarter kids. Kindergarten to 6th grade. (Second Edition)

P.S.S. Need goal tracking forms? You’ll find a full set in Eating for A’s—one for each pre-set monthly goal and extra credit. We call them My Smart Tracker forms. You can call them one of the easiest ways to help your kids reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.

Reference

1. de Greeff JW, Bosker RJ, Oosterlaan J, Visscher C, Hartman E. Effects of physical activity on executive functions, attention and academic performance in preadolescent children: a meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2018;21(5):501-507. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.595