Why Some Kids Can't Sit Still

According to The Centers for Disease Control  there has been a jump in the percentage of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in recent years. While I am sure there are many factors that go into the reason for this increase, Angela Hanscom argues that it is mostly due to a lack of opportunity for movement. Children are required to sit for long periods of time in the average American classroom.

We know that exercise helps the brain gear up for learning. Finland has had this figured out since the 1960's giving their school children a 15 minute break every 45 minutes. This means the teachers also get a break while the children engage in free play. No doubt teachers need a break as much as the kids!

"Pellegrini and his colleagues ran a series of experiments at a public elementary school to explore the relationship between recess timing and attentiveness in the classroom. In every one of the experiments, students were more attentive after a break than before a break. They also found that the children were less attentive when the timing of the break was delayed—or in other words, when the lesson dragged on."

If the average child (whatever that is, since they are each wonderfully unique) benefits from a break every hour, how much more would ADHD students? If you don't have the privilege of homeschooling your child, at least be aware and give him plenty of free play time when he is at home and even frequent breaks during homework. You might be surprised at how much better he is able to focus!

Move Your Body, Improve Your Memory!

Most younger children probably get plenty of exercise just through natural play, but increasing screen time these days can put them at risk of excessive screen time and much less time moving their bodies.

What does this do to their brain? While some games are designed to improve brain function the lack of exercise can be detrimental, not only to children but adults also.

It's been proven that even a little exercise goes a long way. According to a new study, exercising for as little as 20 minutes can boost your long-term memory by around 10 percent. Exercise releases the stress hormone, norepinephrine. 

Movement is imperative for kinesthetic learners, but is helpful to everyone's brain function because it leads to improved blood circulation which leads to sharper thinking. According to another study about exercise and learning new skills, "It may be that physical, aerobic exercise performed right after a memory has been formed intensifies the imprinting, Dr. Roig says. It makes the memory stronger."

With so many positives to your mind and body it certainly seems worth it to put forth an effort to get moving at least a few times a week! Most likely when you start exercising not only will it give you a sharper mind and more energy to parent, but your child will eventually be eager to join you in the fun!