Kids who can choose toys are more active

When children are offered a range of toys that promote activity rather than a single toy, physically active play time increases.

New research from the University of Buffalo showed a gender difference in physically active play. When offered a single toy, boys played for 1.3 times longer than girls. When children were offered a number of toys to choose from, girls increased their physically active play time by almost 200%, while boys increased their play by 42%.

Researchers recommend parents find three to five active games that children enjoy and making them easily accessible around the home.