Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities are more likely to be inactive than those without disabilities. Families of children with disabilities should work with a health care professional or physical activity specialist to understand the types and amounts of physical activity appropriate for them. When possible, children with disabilities should meet the key guidelines. When they are not able to participate in the appropriate types or amounts of physical activities needed to meet the key guidelines, they should be as active as possible and avoid being inactive.
Engaging Families in Their Children’s Physical Activity Share the recommendations with families with these tips. Children under 6 need to be active naturally!
Aim to keep them moving 3 hours a day — and more is better
Limit time when they’re just sitting around (like screen time)
Kids and teens ages 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes every day. Most of it can be moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Anything that gets their heart beating faster counts. At least three days a week, encourage your kids to step it up to vigorous- intensity aerobic activity. Use the “talk test” to find out if activity is moderate or vigorous. When you’re being active, try talking:
If you’re breathing hard but can still have a conversation easily, it’s moderate-intensity activity.
If you can only say a few words before you have to take a breath, it’s vigorous-intensity activity
As part of their daily 60 minutes, kids and teens also need:
Muscle-strengthening activity At least 3 days a week; anything that makes their muscles work harder counts — like climbing or swinging on the monkey bars.
Bone-strengthening activity At least 3 days a week; bones need pressure to get stronger. Running, jumping, and other weight-bearing activities all count.
Some ideas:
Encourage active play with friends
Get them involved in active chores
Sign them up for free or low-cost sports or classes
Take walks
Dance while dinner’s cooking
Show them your favorite ways to move.
