In this feature, Sean and Antjie Brennan, owners of Smart Fitness, discuss the critical role of movement in a child's life. They break down why physical activity is essential for brain development and offer practical advice for parents struggling to compete with screens. Originally published in SA Homeschooling Magazine.
Homeschooling offers the freedom to tailor a curriculum to a child’s specific needs. We focus heavily on mathematics, languages, and sciences, often leaving physical education as an afterthought. However, ensuring consistent physical education for homeschoolers is not just about keeping children fit; it is the engine that drives their cognitive and emotional development.
Sean and Antjie Brennan, owners of Smart Fitness, explain that exercise during childhood reduces the risk of developing disease later in life. But the benefits go deeper. Exercise is necessary for brain and emotional development in children, making it a non-negotiable part of any successful homeschooling day.
The Brain-Body Connection
Many parents view exercise as a way to “burn off energy” so children can sit still and focus. While true, the biological impact is far more profound.
Sean notes that regular, focused, and measured physical activities trigger a rush of feel-good hormones that promote better moods and help relieve stress and anxiety in children. For a homeschooling parent trying to manage a busy schedule, a child with regulated emotions is easier to teach.
Furthermore, cognitive development occurs during exercise. As children move, nerve cells in the brain multiply and form new connections. This biological process leads to improved concentration and better memory. If your child is struggling to retain a history lesson or a maths formula, a 20-minute run might be more effective than another hour of studying.
Overcoming the “Grudge” Factor
We have all been there. You tell your child it is time to go outside, and you are met with resistance.
“Let’s face it, when starting out, exercise can feel like punishment to many of us, including children,” says Sean.
This is especially true for children who are not naturally athletic. For kids who are seldom physically active and tire easily, exercise is an unpleasant experience they would prefer to avoid.
There are many factors contributing to this reluctance:
- Perceived Incompetence: A feeling among some kids that they simply aren’t good at sports.
- Digital Distractions: Competition from video games and the internet.
- Environment: Closed playgrounds and outdoor facilities during past lockdowns resulted in many youngsters replacing monkey bars with tablets.
For South African parents, safety is also a valid concern. Many parents feel uncomfortable letting children freely roam the neighbourhood as they did generations ago, limiting opportunities for unstructured outdoor play.
How Much is Enough?
When planning physical education for homeschoolers, it helps to have a target. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents aged six to 17 should do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity each day.
This should include:
- Aerobic Activity: Three days a week.
- Bone Strengthening: Activities like running or jumping three days a week.
- Muscle Building: Activities like climbing or push-ups three days a week.
For more detailed guidelines on age-appropriate activities, you can review the World Health Organization’s physical activity standards.
Practical Ways to Get Moving
You do not need a fancy gym or expensive equipment to integrate childhood development exercises into your routine. The goal is to build a habit, not to train Olympic athletes immediately.
1. Focus on Fun, Not Drills
With younger kids, keep the focus on fun and expose them to as many games, sports, and activities as possible. When kids do something they enjoy, they will want to do it, get better at it, and do it even more.
2. Leverage South African Outdoors
We live in a country with exceptional weather. Family activities such as hiking, guided walks around your city, or ball games increase the fun factor. Whether it is a Saturday Parkrun or a hike in a local botanical garden, homeschooling sports can take place in nature.
3. Find Their Niche
Help kids find their niche by considering their interests, abilities, and body type. The options are many, from inline skating and bike-riding to tennis and swimming.
4. Be the Role Model
This is often the hardest part for parents. Kids look to parents for guidance, support, and encouragement. It is important to set a good example, so do not groan about your own exercise, make it a priority.
The Long-Term Impact
The effort you put into establishing these habits now pays dividends for decades. Improved self-esteem quickly results as children master difficult skills. Additionally, correct core exercises in childhood establish better posture and spine health, preventing the “teenage slouch” often carried into adulthood.
As Sean notes, “If you don’t make time for exercise, you’ll have to make time for illness”.
By prioritising kids’ fitness activities alongside algebra and grammar, you are setting your children up for a healthier, smarter, and happier life.
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