Saturday, September 25, 2010

Pedal Toys and Healthy Children

Pedal toys are a wonderful way for children to get the exercise they need to be healthy and productive throughout the day. It is these very simple and classic pedal toys that can give tots all the fun they need, while keeping them active.

Unfortunately, from a very early age, too many children are filling their downtime by playing computer and video games and remaining indoors, staying in a sedentary position. While some interactive computer and video games have educational benefits, they certainly do not make up for quality time outdoors, running around burning energy and letting off steam. What better way to encourage the kids to go outside in the backyard to play than with a pedal toy.

Pedal toys are a broad term that refers to toys, usually outdoor models that can move around by being pedaled. The toys include a set of pedals, one for each foot of course, and they come in a wide array of vehicles. Some of the most popular pedal toys include pedal cars and tractors and even pedal planes. The cars are especially wide-ranging, with some looking like vintage cars, fire engines and even hot rods. Pedal toys are perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers, as the pedals take some coordination and balance and help fine tune their motor skills. As an added benefit, pedal cars can serve as a precursor for learning how to ride a bike. In this way preschoolers can go through the motions of pedaling without parents having to worry about them tipping over on a tricycle.

Besides pedal cars, there are also plenty of toddler ride-on toys that are perfect for the little ones, even those who are still gaining their balance. Toddler ride-on toys also include an extensive collection of vehicles, some equipped with horns, streamers and lights. These toys are perfect for the younger crowd, as they don't need to be pedaled and instead get around by tots pushing with their legs and feet. Some require more balance than others, but all encourage the use of leg and feet muscles and a certain amount of co-ordination.

Pedal cars and ride-on toys are so much fun that kids will forget that they are actually being active and exercising. Indeed, these toys are best when used outdoors, so your child will be getting fresh air and sunshine as well as their daily exercise. Ride-on toys promote the use of large motor skills, helping toddlers to gain balance and coordination while strengthening the muscles and encouraging endurance. Best of all, these fun toys build creativity and role play, so our kids can enjoy "just being kids".

Kerry McFadden

I am a grandmother of three beautiful boys making a living from my websites. Both the older boys have benefited both physically and mentally from regular play with their pedal toys, specially our number two grandson who is autistic. Number three is now proudly getting around on his toddler ride-on. http://www.pedalcarpower.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_McFadden

No comments:

Post a Comment