Your ELC explores how dancing can aid your child’s physical and mental development and wellbeing.
Children love to move but running and jumping isn’t the only way that they should be encouraged to move. Dance has so many benefits for children’s physical and mental development, and you don’t even have to enrol your child in a class.
Physical Health
Dancing helps to improve your child’s coordination, flexibility, spatial awareness, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure. Toddlers and older children start to explore their range of movement, and dance can help them figure this out by encouraging them to wave their arms around, spin and jump.
Generally, toddlers need at least three hours of active time each day, and dancing is a great way to reach that number.
Mental Health
Dancing is fun. Moving about without a care in the world and getting your blood pumping puts you in a good mood. Suffice it to say, dancing affects everyone’s moods and it will affect your child’s mood positively too.
Along with a boost to mood, dancing can also help your child improve their self-confidence and self-esteem, and also make them feel motivated.
Social Awareness
Dancing is a social activity, and just like team sports, group dance like hip-hop groups and cheerleading encourage teamwork. Dancing to cultural music also encourages curiosity and expands your child’s worldview, and ultimately helps them develop empathy and compassion.
Emotional Maturity
Dancing gives your child a chance to express their emotions. For instance, jumping up and down or spinning around could mean they’re expressing joy and excitement. It’s a way for children, who aren’t able to verbally express their feelings yet, to express their feelings in a healthy way.
How To Get Your Child Dancing
It’s simple! Just put on some music and see if your child dances along. Dance along with your child to encourage them further and possibly explore their range of motions.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ:
Why You Should Let Your Child Help Out In The Kitchen
Cooking is a great way to get your children involved with what they eat, and it gives you the opportunity to teach them some healthy eating habits. Here are some advantages of letting your child help out in the kitchen and some tips to get them involved. – READ MORE
