As a dad who’s always juggling a million things—work, errands, family time, and everything in between—there’s a constant battle between the things I want my kids to focus on. I can’t help but push them toward studying, thinking it’s the golden ticket for their future. After all, good grades = a good life, right? But honestly, between the papers I’m reviewing and the endless to-do lists, I’ve been starting to wonder: maybe there’s more to it than just hitting the books.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for encouraging my kids to study hard and succeed in school. But recently, I’ve started to realize that there’s something important I might be overlooking. Physical activity. I know, it sounds like the last thing I should be focusing on when they have homework to finish, but hear me out. Studies keep showing that moving your body, getting active, and just breaking a sweat isn’t just good for their health—it’s a game-changer for their brains and, in turn, their academic performance. I’m not an expert, but from what I’ve been reading and noticing, it seems like I might be underestimating the true impact physical activity can have on my kids’ ability to concentrate, learn, and even retain information.
I’ll be honest, my kids aren’t always thrilled when I suggest they go outside for a bit of fresh air or shoot some hoops, especially when they’re deep in their books. They think that if they step away for even a second, it’s going to throw off their study schedule. But here’s the thing: physical activity has some serious benefits for the brain. I’ve been reading more about this recently, and it’s really opened my eyes. When kids get their blood flowing, it triggers all sorts of good things in the brain—things like increased focus, better memory, and the ability to process and retain information. It’s like giving the brain a little workout of its own, and it can make all the difference when it’s time to sit down and tackle schoolwork.
There’s something so much more powerful than just “getting the energy out.” Regular physical activity helps kids improve their attention span, boosts their cognitive abilities, and even reduces anxiety and stress. I’ll be honest—I’ve seen my kids struggle with being overly stressed before tests or assignments. It’s like they freeze up, and no amount of encouragement to just “keep pushing through” helps. But I’ve started to realize that a quick run around the block, some jumping jacks, or even a game of catch might be exactly what they need to reset their brains. Studies are increasingly pointing to the idea that when kids move their bodies, it boosts their ability to focus and retain what they’re learning. It’s like hitting the refresh button on a computer—suddenly, they’re able to go back to their work with a clearer mind and renewed energy.
I’ll admit, there was a time when I thought prioritizing sports or physical activity during the school year was a luxury. There was this mentality that studying and academic success required locking yourself in your room and turning off everything else. But honestly, now that I’ve seen the research and the results firsthand, I’ve started to rethink that approach. Physical activity isn’t just something to do when schoolwork is done—it’s actually an important tool to fuel their academic success. If they’re able to move their bodies regularly, it could actually make a huge difference in their overall learning process.
What’s more, physical activity doesn’t just help with their mental performance—it helps with their emotional well-being, too. As a parent, I can tell when my kids are overwhelmed, stressed, or just generally burnt out. The same goes for me as a tired dad. Sometimes it feels like everything is piling up, and I can’t seem to catch a break. But physical activity helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol and releases endorphins—those “feel-good” chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress. If my kids can channel that energy in a positive way, they’re going to be in a better frame of mind to take on their studies without feeling weighed down by anxiety.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding that balance between schoolwork and play, between sitting down to study and getting up to move. Encouraging physical activity isn’t just about their physical health—it’s about giving them the mental tools they need to succeed. So, the next time my kids start to get overwhelmed with school, I’m going to remind them (and myself) that taking a break to move, stretch, or play isn’t a waste of time. In fact, it might be one of the most important things they can do for their academic success.
If you want to dive deeper into this idea, I found this interesting article that goes into how physical activity can help with academic achievement: Unlocking the Link: How Physical Activity Fuels Academic Success. It’s full of insights that have helped me reframe how I approach my kids’ school and playtime.
