Kids’ movement skills are declining. Here’s how we can help them catch up

We hear increasingly often that kids are losing the ability to move well. Reports and studies from countries around the globe, have been pointing to the decline in children’s fundamental movement skills for a decade now. 

Even parents are starting to express worry that their kids lack basic skills. 

Why the concern? 

It’s not necessary to be a medical expert to see that fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical literacy are needed to live our lives. Even if our kids don’t aspire to compete at the Olympics, we know their ability to move well is going to have a big impact on their health and quality of life for years to come.

Skills such as throwing and striking are essential to many sport, recreation, and fitness activities, but they are also used in occupations 

Learning movement skills later

Fortunately, it’s never too late to improve your movement skills.  Parents can help their kids catch up in their movement skills through both organized and non-organized physical activity, by playing with them at home and by registering them in quality sport programs. 

We seem to be witnessing a general decline in fundamental movement skills in children everywhere. However, we can make a difference by understanding how to help. By proactively registering our kids in recreation programming and playing together at home, we can help to ensure that they get what they need to live fuller, healthier lives.