Our grandparents and parents used to tell us: "A healthy mind in a healthy body," and these simple yet wise words haven't lost their relevance. Taking care of our children's physical activity will be easier if we convince ourselves that for the youngest ones, recreation is synonymous with delightful fun. After all, endorphins are born through movement!

A child's first encounter with sport is nothing other than backyard adventures – during bike races and ball games, children naturally learn about competition, train their coordination and build physical fitness. Then come gymnastics classes at nursery and school, all accompanied by shared family activities. And from the very beginning, it's worth showing children that sport is a pleasure: comfortable clothing, e.g. sweatpants and a sweatshirt, friendly company and plenty of laughter. Here's how to make sports activities the most enjoyable in the world.

Point one: fresh air. Regardless of the season, let's try to give children opportunities for outdoor activities: in the forest, in the park or at the local sports pitch. It's enough to involve young athletes in a family bike rally, go swimming together at the lake, or, armed with wellies, jump in puddles. In winter – weather permitting, of course – sledging and snowball fights should be on the mandatory list of pleasures. This way, children gain many benefits at once: they get fresh air, get to know their natural surroundings, release energy in a healthy way, and spend time with their parents. If we show children that we ourselves enjoy simple physical activities outdoors, we'll instil such habits in them. This healthy example is invaluable. Let's head outdoors as a family!

I swim because I like it

Sport is a very broad concept, and sometimes the elements within it are a beloved hobby for some and a nuisance for others. Each of us probably remembers that in our school days, running the 60 metres could be a highlight of PE classes, while vaulting over the box could send shivers down your spine. Our children are just the same. The youngest Poles love playing football, swimming and practising martial arts (according to a Blue Media report), but when choosing extracurricular sports activities, let's consult the child, taking into account their predispositions and passions. If your little one sets up a home dance studio every evening – that's a clue to look into a dance school, and if they constantly talk about horse riding, check whether there's a stable nearby offering classes for children. Sport is an important cultural element, so it's wonderful when a child is holistically fascinated by a given discipline. And we, as parents, of course, cheer them on wholeheartedly.

Comfort is key

  Comfort, comfort and once again comfort – the outfit for school gymnastics and the one for backyard activities must fit like a second skin. Shorts are there so the future Olympic champion doesn't overheat, and cropped leggings – so they don't restrict movement during all sorts of contortions. A PE kit must also include a T-shirt: the classic version for boys, and the pocket T-shirt for girls can traditionally be white or colourful – in a favourite shade of lemon, violet or summer sky blue. Navy blue children's clothing also works well at school. Navy blue children's clothing.

It's key that it's made from natural materials, preferably cotton, which allows the skin to breathe. We add sports shoes to the PE bag – a special pair intended solely for recreational activities. Light plimsolls with a stable rubber sole are perfect for indoor exercise, e.g. in the gym hall, as they protect small feet from sweating and chafing. It's important for the child to have a separate outfit and a pair of shoes (with separate socks) for PE – this will instil the good habit of changing for PE classes and reporting used clothes to parents for washing. And, by the way, to avoid mishaps along the lines of "Muuum... I don't have clean kit for tomorrow," it's worth putting together 2–3 basic sports sets to use in rotation. It's also worth equipping your child with a backpack in the form of a bag that can hold their sports kit. So, how about it? 3, 2, 1, ready to start… Go!