To properly prepare your child's mind and body for physical activity, it's important that he stretch his muscles and lungs. Breathing has a calming effect on the mind. For five minutes, have your child sit with his legs crossed. Ask him to focus on exhaling fully and then slowly so that the air feels fully removed from his lungs. Instruct him to inhale while relaxing his stomach muscles. He should feel the air moving from is stomach, and filling up his chest. Each inhalation and exhalation combination should last between 10 to 20 seconds, depending on your child's ability and experience.
Stretching is also critical before a high-intensity workout or expressive display of body language, both for fitness and the preservation of the muscles. One effective stretch for the legs is done by laying down and then bringing a fully-bent knee toward the chest.
Have your child express himself and enhance his interpersonal paralanguage communication skills through a game called mirror fun. With two children standing and facing each other, have your child move one or multiple parts of his body -- jumping jacks, for example -- while the other child attempts to mirror his movements.
A sport is an activity where your child isn't just mindlessly moving around, but using intention and forethought. Whether it is a fast-moving sport like a basketball, or a slow-moving one like baseball, sports allow your child to develop mental strategies to beat the competition. Sports encourage team-building and leadership.