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<h4>Improve Academic Performance Through Exercise</h4>
\r\n
<h6>Posted on October 07, 2022</h6>
\r\n
TWe know the physical benefits of exercise but do you know that it can help make us smarter too?

Improve Academic Performance Through Exercise
Posted on October 07, 2022

&nbsp;
<img src="https://corekidsportal.com/uploads/blog/20221007093412_--After+School+Exercise-960w.webp" width="545" height="283" />
It's early morning on your drive to work, and you may see the familiar site of sleepy, disengaged and unmotivated children and teenagers plodding their way towards the school gates; you may even have them in the back of the car. This isn&rsquo;t the best way to start the day and can be the same routine for us adults as we head off to work. One way we can counteract this is through exercise. We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but do you know what it does to the brain? I am currently rereading a book called &lsquo;Spark &ndash; How exercise will improve the performance of your brain&rsquo;. It is based on scientific research and case studies to show how exercise can help stimulate your brain. One case study from a high school in America set up an exercise class before school to see how physical activity affected academic performance.
The results were terrific. Not only were they ranked as one of the fittest in the nation, but they were also&nbsp; among some of the smartest. They didn't do too bad when&nbsp;they compared their results to other students from around the world. In the science section, they finished first ahead of Singapore! The maths section finished sixth behind Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. Without going into too much about its science, the brain is like any other muscle; it grows with use and withers with inactivity. When we exercise, we release several chemicals and spark chain reactions in the brain to develop new cells. Exercise provides the brain with the right tools to learn with these reactions, and the stimulation from academic classes encourages those newly developing cells to plug into the complex network of the brain, which results in a better understanding of the subject and the ability to store information in the brain; you get smarter!
The PE teachers from the case study said, &ldquo;In our department, we create the brain cells, and it&rsquo;s up to the other teachers to fill them.&rdquo; With all this information and much more at our disposal, the government and schools have decided to decrease the amount of physical education in favour of more study time. We are really&nbsp;trying to add more wood to the fire without lighting it first. Instead, we should add more PE classes and movement breaks to help stimulate the brain to learn. In one case study from the book, they took it a step further by scheduling the student&rsquo;s most challenging&nbsp;subjects immediately after PE to capitalise on the beneficial effects of exercise.
<h2>WHAT CAN WE DO? </h2>
As a teacher or parents, we want to stimulate our children&rsquo;s brains before they learn. Get them up early in the morning, go for a jog ,&nbsp;or do a home-based workout. Maybe set them to do their homework after a training session or do your&nbsp; exercise beforehand. If you see the children in your class losing concentration, get them up and move! Tell the kids why you are doing this, and better still, do a role reversal. Get them to watch TV, play on the iPad or do nothing, and do their homework.
See if they feel and notice any difference in their standard of work. You may or may not see instant results, but stick with it for a few weeks and see if you notice a change in their academic grades, mood, physical appearance and fitness levels.
If it doesn&rsquo;t work, what have you lost? A bit of time, maybe, but you may have gained so much more from instilling good habits and encouraging a love of physical activity for you
and your child. I&rsquo;ll leave you with a quote from the &nbsp;Greek philosopher Plato; &ldquo;For a man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Posted on October 07, 2022
We know the physical benefits of exercise but do you know that it can help make us smarter too?

Improve Academic Performance Through Exercise

<img src="https://corekidsportal.com/uploads/blog/20221014094934_--fryoq90vzgg21.webp" />
If A ,B, C, D....X, Y, Z equals 1, 2, 3,4.....24, 25, 26 then
K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E = 96 per-cent&nbsp;
&amp; H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K= 98 per-cent.
Both of these are important but fall slightly short of full marks, but
A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E = 100 per-cent.
Is this a coincidence or not? I posted this picture on my CORE Kids social media accounts and received a lot of interaction. It is something so simple and coincidental but holds a lot of meaning. You may have also heard the saying &lsquo;that hard work beats talent when talent doesn&rsquo;t work hard&rsquo;. You will see it plastered on the walls in gyms or sports teams' changing rooms, which is true. But can you work hard if your attitude isn&rsquo;t right? Mindset, belief and focus all fall under attitude. If you get these right, along with knowledge and hard work, you have become an unstoppable force.
In my many years of coaching, I&rsquo;ve witnessed the short-term and long-term effects of a negative and positive attitude. Teams or players who adopt a negative attitude before a big game, even if all the preparation is perfect, may already be beaten before the match starts. Take someone trying to lose weight who starts with the wrong attitude. If they commit with the philosophy of it being a quick fix or aren&rsquo;t in it for the long haul, they will find themselves dropping off on their commitment&nbsp;and desire to reach their goal. Conversely, going into any scenario with a positive attitude sets you&nbsp;on the right path. This doesn&rsquo;t guarantee you results. You still have to have the knowledge, work hard, take action, commitment and sacrifice, to name a few, but if the right attitude isn&rsquo;t there at the start, you might as well forget these other elements. For me, commitment and sacrifice are vital to reaching any goal, whether&nbsp;in health, fitness, or life. We can get ourselves motivated to work hard in the gym once we are there, but your attitude comes down to the commitment to consistently be there.
You could say, &lsquo;I&rsquo;ll go tomorrow&nbsp;or &lsquo;one missed session isn&rsquo;t done&nbsp;any harm. That&rsquo;s your negative attitude taking over. Your positive attitude will say get your backside off that sofa and let&rsquo;s do this. The same can be said about sacrifice. Are you willing to get up early, change certain eating habits, and kindly decline when friends or family ask you to do something when you know it will interfere with your goal? A negative and weak attitude can give in to these temptations. Even worse, you may still carry out the tasks that will help you reach your goal but not enjoy them or feel guilty. In this case, you think you HAVE to do it rather than you WANT to do it. There is a massive difference. When you want to do something, you will have a positive attitude towards it, and you will get up early knowing that it is going to help you reach your goal, change and enjoy your new eating habits, and explain to friends and family why you are declining their invite and ask them to support you because this is what you want to do.
The thing is, attitudes can change. They can even change daily or hourly. But hold onto that positive attitude towards reaching a goal, and the times you know when your attitude is strongest&nbsp;when you are at your weakest. Feeling tired, hungry, having too much on, or you are feeling stressed all play a part in testing your attitude. So remember to do the things you want to do and attack them with a positive attitude.

You may have the knowledge and be willing to put in the effort but have you the right attitude and mindset to carry it out?

Attitude = 100 per-cent

It posed a great question I researched and discussed with a team doctor I work with. We spoke not only about the impact of infections, but with flu season fast approaching, he explained the effects of training when the dreaded cold/flu strikes. The first thing I must point out is that exercise helps build the immune system and prevent infections. Studies have shown that moderate aerobic exercise for around 30 to 45 minutes a day, such as walking, biking or running, can help increase&nbsp;half your risk for respiratory infections and other common winter maladies. But that all changes once you catch an infection or cold. Many studies suggest that training can take place if you have a clod and showing symtons from&nbsp;the neck up is ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;But below the neck, or if you are experiencing fever-like systems, it&rsquo;s not recommended to train at all. So the idea of &lsquo;sweating a cold' out of you is terrible. One leading researcher said that when a person suffers from flu or some other fever-causing infection, their immune system works overtime to fight off that infection. Exercise is a form of physical stress which makes the immune system&rsquo;s task more difficult. You are prolonging the condition and not sweating it out. One scientist said that athletes suffer from prolonged, virus-induced fatigue. Even after their infection had passed, they&rsquo;ve reported feeling weak and tired, and some have not been able to perform at their previous level for months or even years. Our&nbsp;team doctor also said that exercise is a way of keeping the bacteria happy in its environment when you have a chest infection or chesty cough. Exercise fills the lungs with moisture and heat, which is perfect for any bacteria to live and grow. For some people, this may be a bitter hard pill to swallow, while for others, it may sound like sweet music to their ears. Either way, you must let the infection and cold pass and slowly build up your training and immune system. Yes, you have to move after the disease has left your body but don&rsquo;t go all guns blazing. Even though you may feel much better, there may still be a risk of setting that lousy boy infection off again. Once the symptoms have subsided, give yourself another week and start to ease back gently. Start with a walk in the fresh air and then progress to your moderate workouts. If you are feeling good after another week, return to your regular training routine. This may seem like an extended return to training protocol, but giving it two extra weeks is better than coughing yourself through each session for another few months.
<img src="https://corekidsportal.com/uploads/blog/20221108095636_--gettyimages-478330386-1571670741.jpeg" /> Think of it like a broken arm or sprained ankle; your flu-weakened body needs time and rest to fully heal before standing up to the rigours of&nbsp;exercise.
&nbsp;

Is it a good idea to train when you have the flu? I was asked the other day, should I train when I have a cold?

Should I train when I have a cold

The car journey home for any child playing sport can sometimes put them off sport for life.&nbsp;
In this blog post, we explore some of what we should and, more importantly, shouldn't be saying to our children as they enter the car after a game.&nbsp;
<h2>The Car Journey Home From Sport</h2>
One of the worst memories for children playing sports can be the car journey home. I can always remember my car journeys home, especially after a defeat where you would say nothing and not want to speak to anyone. Then the adult in the car would start to talk about the game about what went wrong or who should have been playing, and who shouldn&rsquo;t have. Most of the time, I zoned out, probably thinking about what I was going to eat when I got home, but there were times when it did affect me. Being so young and hearing a word or a phrase from an adult about yourself, your teammates or your coach can very easily leave a lasting negative impression.&nbsp;
<img src="https://corekidsportal.com/uploads/blog/20220920123453_--b3.jpg" width="552" height="367" /><img src="https://corekidsportal.com/uploads/blog/20220920123453_--b2.jpg" width="549" height="367" />&nbsp;
I was thinking about this because my son is now playing in different sporting blitzes and I love going to watch him play. If I don&rsquo;t get to see him play, sometimes I never hear how he did because he may not want to talk about it, which is fine. As a parent, you want to know how they did, and you really do care but asking a simple question or commenting on their or their team mate&rsquo;s performance can be a really bad idea.
The first thing you must remember is that kids are always looking approval from their parents. Approval of their actions, their friends and their team. So before they enter the car here a few things to consider.
<h3>Check your body language&nbsp;</h3>
If you got emotionally involved with the game or mainly the referee, make sure you let that all go before you step into the car. Be relaxed and open for a conversation with your child if it arises.&nbsp;
<h3>Let them speak first&nbsp;</h3>
If they want to talk about the game let them bring it up. Don&rsquo;t force them by asking questions you think they want to hear or you just want the answers to. When they do talk about the game this doesn&rsquo;t give you the licence to say everything you feel. Listen to them and be a source of confidence and comfort in situations such as when your child has played well in a loss, when your child has played poorly, and especially when your child has played very little or not at all.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t kill their moment&nbsp;</h3>
If your child gets into the car and is happy with their performance or the way the team played today then go along with it even if you think differently. There will be other opportunities to give constructive feedback.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t ask questions&nbsp;
Start with some positive reinforcement like &lsquo;I loved the way you chased the ball down and didn&rsquo;t give up&rsquo; or simply &lsquo;I love watching you play&rsquo; this might be values that your child holds higher than winning a game. Seeing someone they love watching them or being praised for working hard are ways to help develop positives experience of playing sports.
<h3>Play multi sports</h3>
Give your children as many experiences of playing in different sports, with different teammates and different outcomes. Not only will this help develop new skills and friends but also it will place them in different scenarios and environments where they can win or lose. This could be a great life lesson for our kids.&nbsp;
<h3>Build their trust&nbsp;</h3>
By sticking to these principles, children will develop trust with you because you don&rsquo;t judge them or their teammates after a game. This means that when they do really want to talk they know you won&rsquo;t judge and will be able to deal with your suggestions with a more open mind set.&nbsp;
The only exception to the above principles is when your child engages in behaviour that you would not accept at home, such as spitting, cursing, assaulting an opponent, or disrespecting a coach. &nbsp;In these cases, you should initiate the conversation, not as a parent to an athlete but as a parent to a child. &nbsp;Even then you must be careful and considerate of the emotions of the match, and choose your words wisely. &nbsp;Deal with the issue, and then put it to bed; do not use it as a segue to a discussion of the entire game.
Finally, you must remember that all kids are different, some may be very open others may not. My advice is let them bring it up, and let them end the conversation. If you are unsure, ask your kids whether they want to talk about the game, and honour their feelings and their position on this issue. You can always bring the game up later in the day or week rather than a few minutes after the final whistle. Your child may even thank you for it someday.
&nbsp;

The car journey home for any child playing sport can sometimes put them off sport for life. 

In this blog post, we explore some of what we should and, more importantly, shouldn't be saying to our children as they enter the car after a game.

The Car Journey Home From Sports

<ol>
<li>
Sense of Security and bonding:&nbsp;Hugging promotes a feeling of safety and security for children. It can be essential during times of stress or anxiety.&nbsp;Regular hugs contribute to the development of strong emotional bonds between children and their caregivers, fostering a sense of connection and trust.
</li>
<li>
Release of Oxytocin:&nbsp;Hugging triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." Oxytocin can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in children.
</li>
<li>
Immune System Boost:&nbsp;Positive physical touch, like hugging, has been linked to improved immune system function. Healthier kids are often those who experience supportive physical contact.
</li>
<li>
Non-Verbal Communication:&nbsp;Hugging is a form of non-verbal communication conveying love, support, and acceptance. It helps children understand and express their emotions.
</li>
<li>
Feeling Valued:&nbsp;Regular hugs contribute to a child's sense of being loved and valued, which is essential for building healthy self-esteem.
</li>
<li>
Calming Effect:&nbsp;Hugging can have a calming effect on children, helping them regulate their emotions and cope with challenging situations.
</li>
<li>
Better Sleep:&nbsp;The calming effect of hugging can extend to bedtime, promoting relaxation and potentially leading to better sleep for children
</li>
<li>
Empathy:&nbsp;Experiencing warmth and affection through hugs can help children develop empathy as they learn to understand and share the feelings of others
</li>
<li>
Quality Time:&nbsp;A 20-second hug is a brief yet powerful moment of connection, reinforcing the idea that caregivers are available and attentive to their children's needs
</li>
<li>
Reward System:&nbsp;Hugging as a form of positive reinforcement can encourage positive behaviour in children, as they associate physical affection with feelings of approval and love.
</li>
</ol>
When kids are little we give them loads of hugs and kisses, but are you still hugging your big kids and even your partner?&nbsp;We all love a hug, just reach out and make someone's day better with a 20-second hug.&nbsp;
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The other morning, I realised I'm blessed that my 14-year-old boy still wants a hug. This is something that I want to keep doing forever. I'm going to get better at trying to hug for at least 20 seconds. Why? Because the power of a 20-second hug goes well beyond love and affection. Here are 10 reasons why you should hug for 20 seconds or more.

The Power of a 20 Second Hug

Strength training is no longer just for adults&mdash;it&rsquo;s gaining recognition as a highly beneficial activity for children as well. Recent research highlights that age-appropriate strength training can help kids develop essential motor skills, prevent injuries, boost self-confidence, and support lifelong health. But keeping it fun and engaging is the key to making it effective!
At our Halloween Camps last week, we introduced themed exercises like **Broom Jumps** (squat jumps), **Zombie Walks** (lunges), **Spider Walks** (bear crawls), **Stir the Witch&rsquo;s Cauldron** (plank with arm raises), **Mummy Kicks** (leg kicks), **Werewolf Burpees** (burpees), and **Vampire Sit-Ups** (with a Count Dracula twist!). Making the exercises playful not only kept the children smiling but also motivated them to do multiple sets, so they got a full workout while enjoying the process.
Why Kids Need Strength Training: Key Research-Backed Benefits
1. Strength Training Supports Bone Density and Muscle Development &nbsp; &nbsp;According to a study published in the *Journal of Pediatrics*, moderate resistance training can improve both muscle and bone strength in children, particularly when exercises are fun and engaging. Studies show children who incorporate regular strength-based activities can increase bone density by up to 3% per year, helping prevent fractures and other common injuries as they grow. Additionally, children who build stronger muscles experience better posture and fewer strains as their bodies develop.
2. Improves Motor Skills, Coordination, and Academic Performance&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A *British Journal of Sports Medicine* review found that strength training exercises improve children&rsquo;s motor skills by enhancing balance, coordination, and agility. These exercises boost spatial awareness, which is crucial for various sports and physical activities. Furthermore, children who engage in regular physical activity&mdash;including strength training&mdash;have been shown to perform better academically, likely due to improved cognitive function and concentration.
3. Promotes Mental Health and Reduces Anxiety &nbsp; &nbsp;According to recent research published by PLOS ONE, physical activity, including structured strength training, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people. The study notes that the fun, cooperative aspects of strength-based play build confidence and resilience, providing a natural outlet for stress relief. By incorporating games and themed activities, children are also more likely to develop a positive association with physical activity, encouraging healthy habits into adulthood.
4. Encourages Healthy Weight and Supports Long-Term Health &nbsp; &nbsp;Childhood obesity rates have been a growing concern in the UK, but strength training can help combat this. Studies from *The Lancet* indicate that children who participate in age-appropriate strength training are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, reduce body fat, and develop strong cardiovascular health. Developing strength and muscle mass early on can also positively affect metabolism, making it easier for kids to stay active and healthy as they grow.
Making Strength Training Fun: The Halloween Approach
At our Halloween Camps, each exercise had a spooky twist to capture the kids&rsquo; imaginations while helping them develop core strength and coordination. Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of some favourite themed activities and how they helped:
- Broom Jump (Squat Jumps): Children developed explosive strength in their legs with broomstick jumps. - Zombie Walks (Lunges): Lunging around as zombies strengthened their quads and glutes. - Spider Walks (Bear Crawls): Crawling like spiders worked their core, shoulders, and coordination. - Stir the Witch&rsquo;s Cauldron (Plank with Arm Raises): Holding the plank position while stirring an imaginary cauldron strengthened their core and shoulders. - Mummy Kicks (Leg Kicks): These kicks targeted lower abdominal muscles. - Werewolf Burpees (Burpees): By pretending to howl like werewolves, burpees became a fun cardio and strength exercise. - Vampire Sit-Ups (Sit-Ups): Counting like Count Dracula added laughter while they worked on their core strength.
Engaging Kids with Creativity and Themed Exercises
Kids naturally love to play, so incorporating creative, themed exercises into workouts engages them in a way that traditional exercises might not. This approach encourages them to do multiple sets enthusiastically and builds excitement for each session. Themed exercises also encourage imagination, teamwork, and laughter, making workouts feel like play rather than &ldquo;exercise.&rdquo;
Why Not Try Our CORE Kids Club?
If you&rsquo;re interested in bringing this fun approach to fitness into your family&rsquo;s life, why not try our CORE Kids Club two-week free trial? Our club offers enjoyable workouts for the whole family, designed to build strength, coordination, and confidence through creative exercises. Get started by sign up <a href="https://club.core.kids/">HERE&nbsp;</a>
By keeping strength training fun and accessible, we&rsquo;re not only supporting kids&rsquo; growth and development but also helping them develop a love for physical activity that can last a lifetime.

recent research highlights that age-appropriate strength training can help kids develop essential motor skills, prevent injuries, boost self-confidence, and support lifelong health. But keeping it fun and engaging is the key to making it effective!

Making Strength Training Fun for Kids: Why It’s Essential and How We’re Doing It

As we all make the most of a well-earned bank holiday &mdash; hopefully full of fresh air, fun, and family time &mdash; I want to ask a simple question:
&nbsp;
Could you add a little more risk to your child&rsquo;s play today?
&nbsp;
I recently listened to a brilliant podcast by&nbsp;Playful Nature&nbsp;with&nbsp;Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of&nbsp;Play England, and it left me thinking deeply about the way we raise and protect our children in 2025.
One particular insight jumped out at me:
&nbsp;
In the 1970s,&nbsp;80% of 7&ndash;8-year-olds&nbsp;in the UK were allowed to walk to school alone. By the 1990s, that number had dropped to&nbsp;9%.
 Today? Who knows &mdash; but I doubt it's going up.
&nbsp;
<h2>Are We Over-Protecting Childhood?</h2>
We live in a world where children&rsquo;s lives are more supervised than ever. And it&rsquo;s understandable &mdash; safety matters. But we&rsquo;ve swung so far towards protection that we may be missing something vital.
Let me ask you a few questions:
<ul>
<li>
When you think back to your childhood, did you roam freely?
</li>
<li>
Did you play unsupervised, explore, climb, take chances &mdash; and even do things you probably shouldn't have?
</li>
<li>
More importantly &mdash;&nbsp;did those experiences help you grow?
</li>
</ul>
Now ask yourself:
<ul>
<li>
Is your child doing those things today?
</li>
<li>
Or better yet &mdash;&nbsp;would you let them?
</li>
</ul>
<h2>What the Research Says</h2>
&nbsp;
Studies published in&nbsp;Preventive Medicine Reports&nbsp;show a dramatic drop in children's independent mobility over the past 40 years. What once was a&nbsp;6-mile range of unsupervised freedom&nbsp;has shrunk to the edge of a parent&rsquo;s sightline.
This matters, because research shows that:
&nbsp;
Kids who experience independent, risky play:
<ul>
<li>
Have&nbsp;better physical coordination
</li>
<li>
Show&nbsp;greater emotional resilience
</li>
<li>
Develop&nbsp;problem-solving and judgement skills
</li>
</ul>
In countries like&nbsp;Finland&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany, where kids still enjoy greater freedom, we see better outcomes in both&nbsp;physical and mental wellbeing.
&nbsp;
<h2>What the Experts Say</h2>
&nbsp;
Eugen Minogue spoke passionately about the need to bring back&nbsp;risky play&nbsp;&mdash; not reckless, but real, meaningful challenge. It&rsquo;s about children testing their limits, learning from mistakes, and discovering their own strength.
&nbsp;
I saw it myself recently. My son is just&nbsp;19 months old, and he's already climbing out of his cot and trying to jump onto the bed. I watched as he gauged the edge, used one leg and one hand for support, and rolled his body as he landed &mdash; all by himself.
 I was nearby, but I let him do it. That leap, however small, was a building block for bravery.
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>10 Ways to Add&nbsp;Just Enough&nbsp;Risk to Play</h2>
Here are some ideas you can try today &mdash; outdoors, in your garden, or on your next forest walk:
<ol>
<li>
Find-Your-Way-Back Walks&nbsp;&ndash; Let your child lead the way home from a familiar path. Start nearby, then increase distance as their confidence grows.
</li>
<li>
Let Them Climb Higher&nbsp;&ndash; Trees, rocks, walls, climbing frames &mdash; it's how they learn judgement and balance.
</li>
<li>
Loose Parts Play&nbsp;&ndash; Give them tyres, plates, and planks. Let them build dens, ramps, and bridges.
</li>
<li>
Use Real Tools (with you close by)&nbsp;&ndash; Let them hammer, screw, or saw with guidance. Trust and skills grow fast. Risky but also teachable.
</li>
<li>
Neighbourhood Missions&nbsp;&ndash; Send them to the local shop or on a small delivery with a clear goal and route. I still remember going to get milk for the first time on my bike.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Timed Freedom&nbsp;&ndash; Let them explore a safe area alone or with friends for a set time. Return when you give them a call or when the street lights go on, come home.
</li>
<li>
Off-Path Exploring&nbsp;&ndash; Let them crawl through bushes, wade a shallow stream, or navigate a muddy track.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Fire and Cooking Skills&nbsp;&ndash; This bank holiday and weather (fingers crossed) is perfect for Roast marshmallows, light a fire pit, or help cook something simple.
</li>
<li>
Trail Rides&nbsp;&ndash; Take the stabilisers off. Let them fall, scrape, and get back up.
</li>
<li>
Let Them Fail (Gently)&nbsp;&ndash; Don&rsquo;t jump in too fast. Let them solve their own problems in play before stepping in.
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Final Thought</h2>
We&rsquo;re not saying&nbsp;throw caution to the wind. We&rsquo;re asking:
Can we&nbsp;create more space&nbsp;for bravery, for mistakes, and for real-world learning?
Because:
&nbsp;
Freedom builds confidence Risk builds resilience Play builds people
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>So This Bank Holiday...</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Let them climb higher.
</li>
<li>
Let them lead the way.
</li>
<li>
Let them fall &mdash; and get back up smiling.
</li>
<li>
Let&rsquo;s raise kids who know how to land, how to try again, and how to explore their world with courage.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Want More of This for Your Kids?</h2>
&nbsp;
If this blog resonated with you, and you'd love your child to experience more&nbsp;adventure, challenge, movement and growth, why not check out our&nbsp;CORE Kids Summer Camps?
&nbsp;
Packed with physical play, teamwork, outdoor fun, and just the right amount of&nbsp;risk, our camps are designed to help children&nbsp;move, grow and thrive&nbsp;&mdash; the way childhood should be.
&nbsp;
Spaces are filling fast&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://core-kids.classforkids.io/camps" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://core-kids.classforkids.io/camps&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1746360816399000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0946fHgyHj72k5pkivGNct">https://core-kids.classforkids.io/camps</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.core.kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.core.kids&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1746360816399000&amp;usg=AOvVaw07Lv67Bwwa306ati-VcBiV">www.core.kids</a>&nbsp;for more info.
Let&rsquo;s give our kids a summer they&rsquo;ll never forget &mdash; and a childhood they&rsquo;ll grow from.

Explore why modern childhood has become too safe — and how adding just the right amount of risk can help kids build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills. Plus, get 10 fun ideas to bring back adventure into your child's play.

Are We Raising Our Children to Be Too Safe for Their Own Good?

The sun is shining, the skies are blue&hellip; and that can only mean one thing&mdash;it&rsquo;s study and exam season!
I still remember those days clearly&mdash;trying to focus on revision while staring longingly out the window, watching the sun split the sky. All I wanted to do was be outside. But one thing I always made sure of was this: I&rsquo;d get my study done early so I wouldn&rsquo;t miss out on playing sport in the evening.
What I didn&rsquo;t realise at the time was that my post-study football or training session wasn&rsquo;t just helping me let off steam&mdash;it was actually helping me study better. Moving your body, especially at higher intensities, releases powerful chemicals in the brain like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which improves memory and cognitive function. You also get an instant mood boost thanks to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine&mdash;you know that great feeling you get after a walk or workout? That&rsquo;s dopamine in action!
Whether it&rsquo;s a kickabout, a brisk walk, or even dancing around your room for 10 minutes, movement matters&mdash;especially during those long hours of revision.
🎥 I recorded a short video on this while out for a walk in the Gortin Glens&mdash;check it out here: <a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/share/_g8HIm1io" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1271" data-end="1357">https://www.instagram.com/share/_g8HIm1io</a>
Top 5 Reasons to Move During Study Time
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<li class="" data-start="1406" data-end="1606">
Boosts Brain Power Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, helping you focus better and retain more information. It&rsquo;s like giving your brain a power-up before or after your study session.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1608" data-end="1789">
Improves Mood &amp; Reduces Stress Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? A quick workout or even a walk can reduce stress hormones and leave you feeling more positive and in control.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1791" data-end="1945">
Increases Energy Levels Sitting for hours can leave you sluggish. Moving your body recharges your energy and gives you the stamina to keep going.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1947" data-end="2123">
Supports Better Sleep Regular physical activity helps regulate your sleep cycle. And a good night&rsquo;s sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and next-day performance.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2125" data-end="2348">
Creates a Healthy Study-Life Balance Scheduling in movement breaks&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a run, a gym session, or just stretching&mdash;creates structure and gives your brain the rest it needs to process and absorb new knowledge.
</li>
</ol>
It&rsquo;s Not Just About Sport You don&rsquo;t have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits. Movement is movement&mdash;walking, dancing, cycling, skipping, or even short HIIT workouts at home. The more intense the movement, the greater the brain-boosting effect from proteins like BDNF and those lovely neurotransmitters that help you feel motivated and focused.
So as the exams approach and the sun shines on, don&rsquo;t see movement as a distraction&mdash;see it as a study tool. A smart, healthy, and scientifically backed one.
Move your body. Sharpen your mind. Enjoy the sun&mdash;and ace your exams.

As exam season hits and the sun shines outside, staying focused indoors can be tough. But movement—whether it's a walk, a workout, or a quick kickabout—isn't just a break, it's a powerful brain boost. In this blog (and video from a walk in Gortin Glens!), we explore how physical activity improves memory, mood, focus, and sleep, making it the perfect study companion.

🎥 Watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/share/_g8HIm1io

Why Young People Should Exercise While Studying: Move More, Stress Less!

When I&rsquo;m out coaching, one of the most powerful things I can do is... nothing. Well, not nothing &mdash; but stepping back, observing, and giving children the space to figure things out is often far more effective than stepping in.
It reminds me of a brilliant coaching concept I learned from Edward Coughlan, a skill acquisition expert. He calls it the "Three No&rsquo;s": When coaching or observing as a parent and your child does something incorrectly in learning a new skill, say 'no' to yourself, and don't step in to correct. If they repeat it, say 'no' again and stand back. Third time say 'no' but instead ask a question like &ldquo;How did that feel?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Would you change anything?&rdquo;
These questions encourage reflection over correction, helping kids take ownership of their learning. These leads nicely to the 17 second rule.
<h2 data-start="962" data-end="995">So What Is the 17-Second Rule?</h2>
The 17-second rule comes from early years education and play research. It encourages adults to wait 17 seconds before stepping in when a child is struggling or working through something.
This short pause gives them space to:
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<li data-start="1231" data-end="1249">
Solve problems
</li>
<li data-start="1250" data-end="1267">
Self-regulate
</li>
<li data-start="1268" data-end="1297">
Persist through challenge
</li>
<li data-start="1298" data-end="1331">
Experience success on their own
</li>
</ul>
Research by Dr. Marjory Ebbeck and Dr. Sue Robson shows that children who are given even 17&ndash;20 seconds of uninterrupted play are more likely to engage in focused attention, creative thinking, and self-directed learning.
<h2 data-start="1579" data-end="1604">What About Risky Play?</h2>
Should you jump in when there&rsquo;s risk involved?
My honest answer &mdash; not unless they&rsquo;re in real danger.
I recently posted a video of my son Conlan, who&rsquo;s not yet two, climbing the steps of his little slide and bravely jumping into his paddle pool. I was tempted to guide him, but I chose to step back and let him explore.
Soon, he was climbing to the top and jumping in completely by himself. He didn&rsquo;t hurt himself, but he did learn how to fall, how to land, and how to try again.
You can watch the video&nbsp;<a title="HERE" href="https://www.instagram.com/share/BAI_TFZacq" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/share/BAI_TFZacq&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1747484778337000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kAWoxzm5hOeL3vg21Pny1">HERE</a>
<h2 data-start="2162" data-end="2178">Final Thought</h2>
As adults, we often feel the need to step in, help, or correct &mdash; but some of the most valuable learning comes when we do the opposite.
So next time your child hesitates, struggles, or makes a mistake... Count to 17.
Give them the space to think, adjust, and grow. It might be the most powerful thing you don&rsquo;t do.

The 17-Second Rule: Why Doing Nothing Can Help Your Child Do More

<h4>Improve Academic Performance Through Exercise</h4>
<h6>Posted on October 07, 2022</h6>
TWe know the physical benefits of exercise but do you know that it can help make us smarter too?

<h4>Attitude = 100 per-cent</h4>
<h6>Posted on October 14, 2022</h6>
You may have the knowledge and be willing to put in the effort but have you the right attitude and mindset to carry it out?

<h4>Crawling Is Not Just For Babies</h4>
<h6>Posted on November 1, 2022</h6>
You may have the knowledge and be willing to put in the effort but have you the right attitude and mindset to carry it out?

BLOGS

Should I train when I have a cold

The Car Journey Home From Sports

The Power of a 20 Second Hug

Making Strength Training Fun for Kids: Why It’s Essential and How We’re Doing It

Are We Raising Our Children to Be Too Safe for Their Own Good?

Why Young People Should Exercise While Studying: Move More, Stress Less!

The 17-Second Rule: Why Doing Nothing Can Help Your Child Do More

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Should I train when I have a cold

The Car Journey Home From Sports

The Power of a 20 Second Hug

Making Strength Training Fun for Kids: Why It’s Essential and How We’re Doing It

Are We Raising Our Children to Be Too Safe for Their Own Good?

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