Balance Toys will Thrill your Kids: Critters a fun way to spur physical development

Calgary Herald
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Page: C5 Section: Real Life
Byline: Helen Vanderburg
Source: For The Calgary Herald

With the incidence of child obesity increasing at an alarming rate, I'm continually looking for creative ways to add activities into the lifestyle of my two young children. While modern technology has made our lives far more efficient and interesting in some ways, unfortunately it's also made our children's lives much less active than when I was growing up. Unless parents take an active role in encouraging physical activity at an early age, the likelihood of our children being active later in life is reduced dramatically. So my eight-year-old daughter swims, dances, cycles, hikes, skates, skis, does yoga, plays tennis and badminton. No wonder she is so tired at night! But what about my two-year-old ? She's too young for organized sports, but this is an ideal time to train her neuromuscular system so she'll be more successful in learning new motor skills and activities in the future. Just like learning the alphabet in order to read one day, one of the fundamental skills required in all sports is neuromuscular co-ordination and balance. In fact, in the first five to six years of life, it's been estimated that a child's neuromotor skills develop to about 75 to 80 per cent of their full potential. That doesn't mean 75 per cent of their sports performance, but they do lay down the majority of the prerequisites for later performance very early in life.

What Is It?

With this in mind, I was thrilled to discover the Active Sitting Critter balance toy. The minute I walked through the door with this new toy in the shape of a big, spotted plastic dog, my two-year-old daughter ran toward it, shrieking, "My puppy!" Within seconds, she was bouncing and balancing as if she had always known what to do with it. Our golden retriever Lucy immediately looked relieved, knowing my daughter now had something else to ride. I was sold right then and there. The Critter has similar benefits to the stability ball or sit disc for adults. When children sit on the Critter, they train the neuromuscular system to react to an unstable surface, causing the body to sway and correct itself against gravity. This element of balance encourages the core muscles to be active in order to stay upright. Fine motor control and proprioceptive nerves are stimulated, providing small and beneficial movement to train the muscles of the legs, lower back, core and pelvis. Beyond honing balance, these critters have been used by therapists to develop language skills, memory and physical skills such as running and jumping. Essentially, they train the body to be "smart" by developing proper neural recruitment patterns or mind-muscle connections to increase a child's ability to co-ordinate complex movements.

Who Would Like It?

Children see the Active Sitting Critter as a toy, one they will probably fall in love with immediately. Generally, the Critters are designed for two- to five-year-olds. Parents will love the Critter as well, as your child will be entertained and getting positive developmental benefits at the same time. It's a win-win situation.

Who Wouldn't Like It?

Older children will be disappointed, as they, too, will want to sit on the Critter. They will be all excited until you tell them the critter is designed for younger children. I recommend getting your older children a stability ball or sit disc instead.

The Learning Curve

Depending on the age and physiological development of your children, the learning curve will vary. They may fall off a few times, but they won't fall far. I recommend they play with the Critter on a soft surface such as carpeted area when they are first learning. Parents should supervise until children get the hang of it. The great thing about the nervous system is it learns quickly.

The Gear Needed

All you need is your Critter and you are good to go. Play with the balance toy in a safe area clear of any obstructions.

Where Can You Purchase It?

The Critters come in different styles. You can get a doggie, zebra, teddy or pony. The price is $49.95. The Critters are available at Fitter First. Visit their store at 3050, 2600 Portland St. S.E. or go online to www.fitter1.com.

Bottom Line

With the holiday season around the corner, this is an ideal gift for your child or grandchild. It's inexpensive, fun and has a positive effect on your child's physical benefits. What more could a parent ask for?

Helen Vanderburg is a renowned fitness trainer who is co-owner of Heavens Fitness and Fountain Park Club. Her column appears biweekly in the herald.