Tag: child development

Research indicates that gross motor skills are a major predictor of a child’s school readiness. In essence they reflect “brain skills,” yet many parents and caregivers overlook their importance. When infants and toddlers move their arms, legs, and other large body parts with large muscle groups, they are developing their gross motor skills. However, studies … Continued

Dr. John Cairney wears many hats. He’s a professor in the kinesiology and physical education faculty at the University of Toronto, as well as director of the Infant and Child Health Lab at both U of T and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. He’s also the chair of Sport for Life’s research group for physical … Continued

Exciting new things are happening in libraries around the world. They’re no longer just spaces where people go to read and study. Now, libraries are hosting everyone from babies to seniors with free and inclusive programming. From story time to chess clubs, music lessons to job searching, dancing to computer lessons, and knitting to teen … Continued

It’s challenging for families to find time to be active together, so Active for Life and ParticipACTION are making it easier. Families will find Recipe for an Active Year an excellent source of ideas for family activities throughout the four seasons. Most people think physical activity is just about losing weight and looking good at the … Continued

Early results from groundbreaking research hoping to understand the effects of screen time on kids’ brains are now available. The verdict? Children’s brains are growing older, faster. Basically, MRI scans of kids “who use smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day” (Cooper, 2018)  show premature thinning of the brain’s cortex, according … Continued

As a parent or child caregiver, you probably know the ages when children are expected to crawl or walk. But do you know when children should be socially ready to share? Emotionally ready to express feelings? Or cognitively ready to follow simple instructions? When children are not developmentally ready, there are many things they won’t … Continued

This list offers plenty of fun and simple ideas that will help your young ones get active and develop skills in a variety of ways.

The early years are crucial for developing physical skills

Get ready to vote for kids

Unbox your child’s imagination

Learn to love your mind, body, and spirit

Hand dexterity is a critical skill best developed while young

Non-partisan private member’s bill expected to get support

How do you manage screen time?

What to look for in a child care centre

Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, Kyle Peterson, has tabled a novel motion in the House of Commons. If approved, Bill M-206 would instruct the Standing Committee on Health to study the levels of fitness and physical activity of Canadian youth. According to Peterson’s motion, the study would also take into consideration the social, economic, cultural, … Continued

Kids need movement throughout the day

AfL to study physical activity at child care centres

There are many unique ways to keep kids active at school

Risky and loose parts play has improved students overall achievement and development

Find out how you can help your child to “thrive by five”

Let kids play is simple but powerful advice

Kids need all kinds of play nutrition at the playground

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that 5,300 new cases of pediatric type 2 diabetes were diagnosed in the United States. The concern? There were essentially zero cases in 1990. Type 2 diabetes used to be an extremely rare condition among children. Now a growing number of kids are living with the condition according to … Continued