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A program run by The University of Western Australia is providing much-needed resources to help children and families remain active during the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Launched in 2014, the KIDDO program offers a range of free at-home resources for parents, carers and teachers to engage their children or students in physical activity and fundamental movement skill development.

KIDDO program director Amanda Derbyshire from UWA’s School of Human Sciences said families were facing a challenging time dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and the restrictive measures established within our communities.

“With most structured physical activity and sport cancelled, being physically active at home in the coming months is vital for both a child’s physical and mental health,” Ms Derbyshire said.

“Being confined to home doesn’t mean children should miss out on the opportunity to keep active and develop the skills to lead healthy lives.

“All families need is a balloon, chalk, masking tape, a teddy bear or even a rolled-up pair of socks to participate.”

Mother of twin three-year-old boys Kate Ellis said the resources were a great help as they provided ideas for activities that were not just fun but helped her boys learn to run, jump and catch.

“We do the activities together and we all look forward to them each day, they are simple, so much fun and very effective,” Ms Ellis said.

“The KIDDO exercises are really straightforward and don’t require any specific equipment. It’s all things you can find around the house.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the boys since we started the KIDDO program, they are more coordinated, can throw and catch a lot better and their balance is great.”

More information about the program is available on the KIDDO website. The KIDDO program is made possible with support from Healthway.

Media references

Amanda Derbyshire (UWA School of Human Sciences) 08 6488 1378
Jess Reid (UWA Media and PR Adviser) 08 6488 6876