Childhood

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********The period between infancy (about 1-2 years) and pubescence. Most of the physical and mental development of a person takes place in childhood. It is the critical period for establishing good habits of both exercise and nutrition which can last a lifetime. By the age of seven, nearly all of the motor control mechanisms in the brain are present and the child is rapidly developing motor skills. During the major growth spurts (usually experienced by girls between the ages of 9 and 12 years, and by boys between 11 and 14 years) reasonable exercise encourages growth of muscles, tendons, and bones, but excessive exercise can permanently damage bones and joints. Most experts agree that, although exercise during childhood is important, the emphasis should be on fun. There are both physical and mental dangers if children are forced into activities for which they are not ready. Parents should work with expert coaches and the child, to ensure that exercises are appropriate and carry little risk of permanent injury.********************