If a child doesn’t get enough physical exercise daily, it can have serious short-term and long-term effects. Making sure that kids stay busy and physically active as they grow up can help them develop healthy habits that will last well into adulthood. An after school program in Olney, MD, is a great way for kids to make new friends, learn new things, and get some exercise.
Physical Exercise Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that children between the ages of 6 and 17 should do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise every day. On the other hand, the Department of Health and Human Services says that only one out of every three American children is active every day. With youth obesity rising, an after-school program at an Olney child care center is more important than ever for giving kids the time and a safe place to exercise and learn healthy habits.
Sports teach healthy habits that go far beyond getting in shape. Sports-based after-school programs can help high-risk kids by giving them skills that can improve their physical and mental health. When young people learn about nutrition, it can help them form healthy eating habits that may lower their risk of getting chronic diseases as they get older. Daily physical activity has also been shown to help improve overall health and wellness. Most kids who are physically active each day sleep better at night. The improved sleep quality allows kids to wake up feeling refreshed and focused.
Team sports help kids learn how to get along with others and work well with teachers and other players. Activities with a lot of other kids will also give your kids a chance to meet new people outside of school and teach them how to handle themselves in a social or group setting. These social interactions also help them prepare for similar ones they will have in the future.
Children can learn about teamwork, cooperation, and the need to work with others through sports training and activities. Kids who learn to count on others and work together are more likely to have good relationships in their personal and business lives.
Children’s mental health will also improve when they exercise after school in addition to their physical health. Recent studies have found that kids and teens who don’t get enough exercise are more likely to be depressed. When we work out, our brains release endorphins, which are powerful chemicals that make us feel good. When kids work out regularly, it keeps their bodies and thoughts from getting lazy and useless.
Kids learn how to set attainable goals through athletics and sports training. These can be things like the game next week or getting a college grant. Getting these things done can show children they have done well, boosting their confidence.
The great thing about working out at an after-school program is the many games, sports, and other physical activities to try. There are many things that after-school programs can use to help kids learn good habits. Kids can also try out new sports and games through these programs. This could make them more interested in team sports and healthy habits.
Children can learn new skills through physical activity in after-school programs. Students in programs often come from different backgrounds. Some may not have any peers, and some may live in flats and not be able to do some fun things. If a little girl doesn’t have any boys, she might have never played basketball. After-school programs can use sports-related materials and games to get kids interested in sports.
Even though not everyone is born with the skills to lead, anyone can learn them. Sports teach kids to be responsible for their actions, and their friends will hold them responsible for what they do. Sports-based after-school programs can help kids learn what it takes to be responsible adults in this way.
Children can benefit greatly from developing skills in time management and maintaining consistent routines by participating in after-school activities at their child care in Olney, MD. Children will understand the necessity of engaging in physical activity daily if it is a part of the curriculum they follow after school each and every day if exercise is included in the program. This is analogous to activities such as eating, brushing one’s teeth, or taking the bus.
Participating in sports that require working with others may teach children many valuable life skills, but one of the most valuable is treating other people fairly and respectfully. For instance, children get a tremendous opportunity to learn how to appropriately deal with competitiveness, anger, irritation, and even disappointment when they participate in athletic activities. This is because of the nature of these situations. In addition, when kids observe the mature methods in which coaches, parents, and officials deal with these sentiments, it is possible that the players will model their own conflict resolution strategies after those of the adults around them.
Younger children will feel better about themselves when they are in a group. By encouraging activities in after-school programs where kids can play in teams and use their problem-solving skills to talk to others, kids become more self-confident and able to take care of themselves.
The employees of school age programs in Olney, MD, may raise the standard of living for any child with the right training. Children’s physical and mental welfare can be enhanced by one hour of physical exercise every day, as well as a number of important life skills. Children in the formative years of their life can start refining useful social skills by being encouraged to engage in a good physical fitness experience. In an after-school program context, physical activity may boost self-esteem, communication, teamwork, learning, and interpersonal skills. Children will profit from these talents for the rest of their lives.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.