WORDS BY ERICA NEWTON, MYFIRSTGYM CO-FOUNDER
Are Our Kids Moving Enough? (Spoiler: Nope) As a mum of three, I know first-hand that kids have energy to burn. But I’ve also seen what happens when that energy isn’t channelled into healthy outlets. Over the past few years, I’ve been hearing more and more from other parents about their children feeling stressed, anxious, or ‘flat’ in ways and numbers we didn’t see when we were growing up. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s something we can’t ignore.
That’s why it’s time we widen the R U OK? Day conversation. Asking “Are you OK?” isn’t just for adults at work or mates over coffee. It’s a question our kids need us to ask too, and sometimes the best way to spark that conversation is by getting them moving, muddy and laughing.
Childhood Then vs. Now
When I was a kid, my parents’ childcare philosophy was simple: go outside and don’t come home until you’re hungry or it’s dark. These days, it’s a very different story. A recent UK study found that a third of children aged 7-12 don’t play outdoors after school, and one in five don’t go outside on weekends at all. Whole weekends indoors! No bike rides, no tree climbing, no grass stains.
And let’s be real; we can’t just wag our fingers at ‘kids these days.’ Screens are convenient (I’ve 100% handed over an iPad so I could cook dinner in peace). But when kids stop moving, their mental health takes the hit.
Australia’s Mental Health Picture
Here in Australia, about 1 in 7 children experience a mental health condition every year. Anxiety and depression are the biggest culprits, and they’re appearing earlier than ever before. The reasons aren’t surprising:
- Screen time overload (guilty).
- Less outdoor freedom.
- Academic and social pressures that weigh heavily on little shoulders.
Childhood has become more structured, more sedentary and, let’s be honest, a lot less fun.
Why Movement Matters
The good news? Movement is like magic for mental health. Just 60 minutes of active play a day can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Boost mood and sleep.
- Improve focus and learning.
- Build resilience and confidence.
And no, it doesn’t have to be ‘sporty.’ Skipping ropes, obstacle courses, scooter races or even my disastrous attempt at a TikTok dance with the kids all count. Endorphins don’t discriminate.
Making Movement Fun Again
If we want kids to move, it needs to feel joyful, not another box to tick. Try:
- Family play time: Bushwalks, beach cricket or a trampoline free-for-all.
- Outdoor first: A quick run around before homework or screens.
- Mix it up: Not every child loves team sport. Explore dance, martial arts or climbing.
- Be the example: Kids copy us, so show them that moving is part of everyday life.
Where MyFirstGym Fits In
Of course, tree climbing and backyard cricket are fantastic, but they aren’t always practical. Not every family has a backyard, safe streets for bike riding or the time to organise play dates at the park. That’s where MyFirstGym steps in. We designed our space to be a complement to all that outdoor fun.
Think of it as an indoor playground with purpose:
- Safe and engaging: Kids can swing, climb, jump and tumble in an environment that’s designed for them, without us parents yelling, “Careful!” every five seconds.
- Structured variety: From ninja circuits to dance, gymnastics and fitness games, kids get to try new things they might never stumble across in the backyard.
- Confidence building: Not every child feels comfortable running onto a soccer field. MyFirstGym offers a safe space where they can move at their own pace and discover what lights them up.
- Consistency: Even when it’s raining, boiling hot or the mozzies are out in full force, you local MyFirstGym is always there.
It’s not about replacing playgrounds, puddles and tree climbing. It’s about giving kids even more opportunities to move, laugh and grow… because the more chances they have to move, the better they feel.
Back to R U OK? Day…
This R U OK? Day, let’s check in with our kids. Not just with words, but through play and movement. A kick of the footy, a bike ride, a tumble in the park or a ninja circuit at MyFirstGym can all open doors for conversations that matter.
We can’t remove every stress from our children’s world, but we can give them one of the simplest, most powerful buffers against it: moving their bodies. Strong minds grow in moving bodies, and moving bodies are always happier when they’re a little muddy, a little sweaty and a lot giggly.
Ready to Get Moving These Holidays?
With school holidays just around the corner, our MyFirstGym holiday camps are the perfect way for kids to stay active, try new activities and make friends in a fun, supportive environment. Each branch runs its own camp program: check out your local MyFirstGym to see what’s on.
This September, let’s give our kids more than just a holiday break. Let’s give them a break that boosts their bodies, their minds and their happiness.