Kid Acting Out? They Need to Move

"Stop chasing your sister around the couch." "Hands to self." "Sit down." "Stop jumping on the bed." "Stop tackling each other." "Stop leaning back in that chair." "Stop sword fighting with those pool noodles."

Kids have a developmental need for tons of movement. They have a strong need to spend time outside, ride bikes and scooters, do rough and tumble play, crawl under and through things, climb, swing from things, jump off things, throw things, and race around things.

Instead of calling a child "naughty" when trying to get their movement needs met, letting them play outside or organizing a trip to the playground may be helpful.

Exercise improves kids' behavior.

Research suggests that regular exercise improves behavior, including those who have autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression (Bowling et al., 2017). In one study, children in kindergarten through 10th grade who participated in an exercise program for 30-40 minutes just two days a week experienced significantly better self-regulation and fewer disciplinary "time outs" (Bowling et al., 2017).

Exercise leads to better executive functioning, attention, and academic performance.

Besides improving behavior, physical activity improves kids' executive functioning, attention, and academic performance. Effects are greater when exercise is continuous and regular over several weeks (de Greef et al., 2017). Studies suggest that increasing physical activity can improve academic performance, especially with regard to math and reading (Committee, 2013).

Exercise improves kids' moods.

Exercise improves kids' moods through dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline (Lin & Kuo, 2013), and endorphins (Harber et al., 1984). It also reduces depression (Pahlavani, 2024).

Exercise helps kids build stronger muscles.

Physical activity (such as jumping, moving sticks, throwing balls, arranging blocks, or jumping on the balance beam) also strengthens kids' muscles, making them more agile, faster, and powerful (Sutapa et al., 2021).

Even a single bout of physical activity enhances kids' executive functioning, improves their mood, and decreases their stress levels (Basso & Suzuki, 2017). Next time you're overwhelmed with a kid's behavior, go outside with them and move. Shoot hoops, go for a walk or a run, bounce on a trampoline, shovel snow, rake leaves, play tag, play catch, sled, skateboard, or have a dance party. It will make a difference.