6 School Backpack Must-Haves to Encourage Active Play

One of the best things you can do to encourage your child’s academic success, reduce their stress, build their social skills and confidence is encourage regular exercise!

Sports teams and activities are important, but kids really need the chance to be active throughout the school day, in every way—playing at recess and lunch, walking or wheeling to and from school, making up their own fun and letting off steam.

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So, how about thinking about your child’s backpack as a little toolkit to encourage more spontaneous outdoor activity?

ParticipACTION’s six backpack must-haves (click infographic to enlarge):

• Pedometer: Let your kids log the total amount of steps they take in a day and make a game out of getting healthy.
• Rubber ball/chalk/skipping rope: 63% of kids’ free time is spent being sedentary, so send kids to school with something to encourage spontaneous, active games with friends.
• Mobile phone: Many parents worry about the safety of their kids and a phone can help you stay in contact while your child walks, wheels or plays outside with friends. Don’t have a phone, or don’t want one? Send them out with a buddy or have them call when they get home.
• Jacket: Weather is one barrier to active play, so make sure children are ready for rain or shine.
• Sun hat and sunscreen: Kids need a sun hat and sunscreen in order to protect them from the rays and enjoy outdoor play.
• Helmet: Did you know that 62% of parents say their kids are always driven to and from school? Wheeling or walking to and from school will quickly add up to a healthier lifestyle.

As a parent, I sometimes feel like I’m in possession of a beautiful secret—that physical activity will give my kids success and joy in every area of their lives, more than almost anything else I can give them. Active kids have better grades. Better concentration. More fun. Better social skills. Less anxiety and depression. More confidence. What more could you want for your child this school year? Encourage them to be more active and everything else will follow. Pssst—pass it on!