American Mothers, Inc.

Walking. It’s an everyday occurrence, something so ordinary that we rarely give it much thought. But in reality, taking regular walks with your child can, in fact, be an extraordinary way to aid in your       child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Creating a simple ritual of a daily walk can help your preschooler gain muscle power and improved balance, especially if the walk includes hopping, jumping, and climbing. Engage your child with questions and activities: How small can you step? How far can you step? Can you avoid all the cracks in the sidewalk? Who takes the biggest steps? Whose footprint is biggest? Be creative, and don’t confine your child to a straight course. Introducing forward, backwards, side-to-side and zig-zag directions can improve a range of important development muscles.

A daily walk can also have social benefits to children of all ages. During this focused period of time, you can discuss anything with your child-whether it’s their thoughts and concerns or even just what you see along the route. In fact, walking the same route regularly can improve your child’s memory as you together remember and recount details you see from day to day: How many red doors can we find today? How many dogs will we see today? Which homes will have holiday decorations today? And so on. As you walk your daily route, point out landmarks and find things that have changed. This can be a simple but effective way to teach children about the ever-changing seasons.

Walking can even aid your child’s brain development. Studies show that children who spent time outside each day exploring with their hands and bare feet showed increased activity in sensory and motor cortices, which improved cognitive, emotional, linguistic, and psychological development. 

So tie up your shoes and go have fun walking the streets of your neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll love the time spent between you and your child.