Can’t say I have ever been so active! Well when I was at school maybe, and exercise was compulsory. But as a parent. Whoa! Good intentions but I am afraid not so well kept. My talk is all about preschoolers. Those vibrant expressions of life from 3-7 years of age. Maria Montessori talks about development of the self-concept from zero-7 years of age. I am only talking about perhaps 3-7 years. And I don’t want to leave out those kids who can’t move so well, can’t be so active… because exercise is always in their agenda, in its own special way. We can’t all be a Michelle Obama. I admire her as a parent. She’s got an agenda but her kids aren’t 3- 6 years of age anymore so she has the luxury of concentrating on herself. She understands though, and makes the point by being the mover and shaker behind “Let’s Move,” a campaign designed to get young people, in particular, to eat better and exercise more. Physical, mental and economic health all go together. So when we talk about health it’s not only the doing but also the prevention. Everyone’s health is important, so mother can’t say she will wait, neither can father say he is strong so he doesn’t need a check-up. Everyone has to keep healthy and maybe it means creating the opportunities for playing and exercise together. Feeling physically fit leads to feeling mentally capable of taking on the challenges. I would say it again if I was speaking out loud. Good physical and mental health therefore helps with surmounting those economic challenges that the family might face. Exercise the best route to all round health My good friend Barbara King from Trinidad makes the point that “When we look at the children this age, they are usually very energetic and active. They are supposed to be. Put them in an open space and watch them use it. The job of the preschooler is to work that body and practice over and over again the skills they will require to thrive and survive in the world”. I think we agree that children who have multiple opportunities to experiment in developing their bodies find it easy to master the elements of coordinated movement and unconsciously transfer this knowledge to a range of situations. These coordinated competencies soon carry over into everyday tasks such as properly brushing teeth, dressing themselves for all kinds of weather, getting in and out of chairs, hammocks, cars and buses, carrying packages, sewing, sweeping, throwing a fishing line, swinging a bat, generally becoming independent individuals whether it be athletically or intellectually. They are building their “Yes I can” sense, their self-confidence. Exercise for who? For both parents and preschoolers! I make the point in my book, “I Like Me: 5 Easy Ways for Parents to Help their Children Feel Awesome About Themselves”, you mightn’t be able to keep up with them but you should know what’s called for and be able to encourage them. Keep the excitement going. Feel Alert, Alive and In tune with your preschooler!