By Matt Karsh
Kids Need Movement
As a teacher, I’ve heard many parents lament the fact that their child “just can’t seem to sit still,” or they’ll say something like, “They’re constantly spinning around or hanging upside down!” For many parents, this can feel frustrating and might even make you think something is wrong. Although it might not seem like it, your child is likely doing something on purpose, not something wrong.
Kids need movement and are are built to move. Movement gives them an opportunity to explore their environment, learn what their bodies are capable of and develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. While adults often think of exercise as something scheduled into the day, kids naturally look for opportunities to run, jump, climb, spin and play.
The 8th Sense
Growing up, you probably learned that there are five senses, or you’ve joked about having a “6th sense.” Did you know that human beings actually have eight sensory systems?
In addition to the five we commonly talk about—sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch—we have three more: proprioception (knowing where your body is in space), interoception (understanding what is going on inside your body, like hunger or thirst) and the vestibular system.
The vestibular system often gets linked to balance and head movement, and it is based in the inner ear. However, it plays a much bigger role in how kids interact with the world around them.
Not Just About Balance
The vestibular system isn’t only about balance. It is stimulated when we move our heads around. Kids often seek out vestibular stimulation through swinging, hanging upside down, spinning around, running, rolling and other types of movement.
That system, though, doesn’t just help us develop balance. Scientific research over the last few years has helped us understand that developed vestibular systems are connected with emotional regulation, fine motor skills, cognition and learning.
Think about how much movement happens during normal childhood play. Climbing across playground equipment, jumping off a small ledge, rolling down a hill or swinging at the park all challenge the body to understand where it is and how to react. Those experiences are part of development, not simply a way for kids to burn off extra energy.
Movement also gives kids opportunities to develop coordination and confidence. Every time they learn to land a jump, climb something new or control their body through a different movement, they are building a little more understanding of how their body works.
Getting Your Kid Moving on Purpose
Vestibular development starts in the womb but isn’t complete until adolescence. Getting kids moving on purpose can help the development of their vestibular system and help with all the other things the vestibular system does.
On top of that, by receiving vestibular input in purposeful ways, kids don’t have to seek it out as often when they’re expected not to—like at the dinner table or while sitting in class.
At home, it’s appropriate to get kids swinging, spinning, crawling, jumping, rolling or trying handstands. Going to the playground, riding bikes, climbing, playing tag and simply getting outside can also provide plenty of movement.
In the gym, we get kids moving with jumping jacks, jumping to boxes, jumping rope, swinging kettlebells, crawling with bear crawls and more. As kids get older, those basic movement skills also become the foundation for running faster, jumping higher, getting stronger and becoming more coordinated athletes.
That is one of the reasons we put so much emphasis on movement quality before adding more intensity or weight. Kids first need opportunities to move, learn and gain confidence. From there, we can gradually build strength and athletic ability.
Talk With Us
If you’re looking for ways to help your child develop their vestibular system while also building strength, coordination and confidence, reach out to us about our Tweens classes and Sports Performance programs. Kids need movement and we want to help facilitate that!
Plenty of families have been surprised by the short-term and long-term benefits of structured exercise for their kids. Movement doesn’t need to be complicated. It simply needs to happen consistently and in an environment where kids can learn, experiment and have fun.
You can also read more about how we develop athletic qualities through real speed training and how we help athletes become faster.
Remember, the next time your child is swinging around or spinning for no apparent reason, it could simply be them seeking more vestibular input.
If you want to learn more about how OC Sports Performance can help your child move better, get stronger and build a foundation for long-term athletic development, book a free introduction session here.
