• What are the best activities for my child to participate in?

    Ideally, a wide range of activities that involve many different movement skills is best. This does not have to mean expensive organised sport, but encouraging play with balls and sticks, in different environments like outside in the rain or snow and inside when they can climb on things. If sport is the route you want to go and finances are a barrier, there may be grants and resources in your community to assist with registration fees. Check out: Kidsport, Jumpstart and local recreation centres

  • I am too busy to play with my child because of [insert any reason, such as work, siblings, house responsibilities etc]. How can I make sure that my child is moving enough?

    We know that meeting the recommended amounts of daily physical activity can be challenging. If your child is arriving home from preschool or another activity, think about creating an 'invitation' to play. Invitations involve creating an inviting task or opportunity for your child to play. One way to do this is to rotate toys so that they play with 'new' things, or place balls, sticks, cans or other items in an area that the child will find. Visit invitations to play on ATP website.

  • My child experiences a disability, what is available for them?

    Many of the activities on the Appetite to Play website feature ways to modify the movements and expectations of the activity to include children who have diverse abilities. While the ideas are not exhaustive, they may provide you with ideas for things to try with your child. Alternatively, many communities feature programs and services related to physical activity for children who experience a disability.

  • My child loves TV, what can I do?

    Screen use is something that we need to accept and use as a tool to engage children in movement. There are many great videos and channels that specifically relate to movement and can be very engaging for children. Check out the Appetite to Play website for more information and ideas. Once the child has been introduced to the activity through the screen, find ways to engage in the activity without it. For example, can they teach you the moves that they saw, or is there a program at a local recreation centre that offers a similar activity.

  • I was hoping that my child could start working out. Is that recommended at this age?

    In the early years, it is not recommended for children to engage in formal workout routines or structured strength training. However, children can certainly participate in age-appropriate physical activities and play that promote their overall development and well-being. For young children, play is a natural and effective way to engage in physical activity. Running, jumping, climbing, monkey bars, crawling, and all other types of body weight movements build the functional strength that children need. Visit Healthlink for more information.