Why Kids Need Play Now More Than Ever

And how your example might shape them for life

Let’s face it—screens are everywhere. Between YouTube Kids, iPads, video games, and the endless scroll, it’s never been easier for our kids to stay glued to a device.

But something is getting lost in the process: movement.

And for kids, movement isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

More Than Just Fun: Why Movement Matters

When kids move their bodies—whether they’re running, jumping, climbing, or just making up goofy games—they’re not just staying busy. They’re building stronger brains, better emotional control, and lifelong habits.

In fact, studies show that regular physical activity helps kids:

• Focus better in school

• Sleep more soundly

• Build confidence and resilience

• Lower their risk of anxiety and depression

• Improve emotional regulation and social skills

Even just one extra hour of daily movement can lower the risk of developing mental health issues later in life. That’s powerful.

Play Builds More Than Muscles

Sure, sports and structured activities are great—but unstructured play matters just as much. Free play fuels creativity, develops problem-solving skills, and gives kids space to explore who they are without pressure or screens guiding every move.

And when kids are on a team—whether it’s soccer, gymnastics, dance, or a casual game of tag—they learn how to lead, how to follow, how to fail, and how to bounce back. These are life skills that go far beyond the field or court.

In the Age of iPads, We Have to Be Intentional

The truth is, movement is being replaced—quietly and steadily—by screens. That’s not a judgment. It’s just reality.
And as parents, we’ve got to be more intentional than ever about creating opportunities for our kids to play and move.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. A trip to the park. A walk around the block. A backyard game. Even dancing around the living room counts.

But here’s something even more powerful than planning activities:

They’re Watching Us

Our kids are always watching—and learning from what we do, not just what we say.

If they see us stuck to our phones all day? That becomes normal.

But if they see us lacing up our sneakers, heading out to the garage gym, breaking a sweat and enjoying it?

That becomes normal too.

They start to see movement as part of life. Something that’s just… what we do. And if they’re anything like my daughter, they’ll start joining in—grabbing a light dumbbell, doing their own version of pushups, or asking to be part of your workout.

I still remember doing bicep curls with my dad in the basement. I was just a kid, but those moments stuck. Not because of the weight I lifted—but because of the example he set.

Make Movement a Family Thing

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a fancy gym membership or a flawless routine. You just need to show up.

Invite your kids into the process. Let them see that movement can be fun. That it’s something we do together. That it doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful.

Because when we model an active lifestyle, we’re not just helping our kids now.
We’re giving them tools and habits they’ll carry into adulthood.

Final Thoughts

In a world of distractions, movement is a gift—for the body, the mind, and the connection it creates between us and our kids.

So yes, the screen time battle is real. But we have the power to shift the story.

Let’s keep making space for play, for movement, and for memories they’ll carry with them long after childhood.

—Coach Tony