Everyone agrees that parenting is a full time job. Juggling drop-off, pick-up and children's activities can put a strain on parents' time and schedule.
Yet some families consistently allocate time spent outdoors with their children as a way to cultivate a healthy lifestyle and strengthen family bond. Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Rachel Nge, 36, says as both an eye doctor and a mother, she believes exercise is essential for a child's overall development.
"Physical activity helps build strong bones, muscles, coordination and cardiovascular health, but its benefits go far beyond that. Active play encourages confidence, resilience, problem-solving and social skills," she says.
And from an eye health perspective, spending time outdoors has also been shown to help reduce the risk of developing short-sightedness (myopia) in children. "Most importantly, exercise teaches children that movement is a normal and enjoyable part of daily life, rather than something they need to force themselves to do later on," she says.
Last weekend, Dr Nge and her husband Justin Chin, 36, took their daughter, Sophia Lauren Chin, five, and son Luke Liam Chin, nine months old, for the Suria KLCC x Lego Play Run 2026, a 2km family run along KLCC Park featuring interactive play stops where families could stop and play.
Some 1,500 participants took part in the event, with five sessions that ran from 7.45am to 6pm.
Dr Nge says her family incorporates outdoor activities into its routine several times a week. "My five-year-old enjoys nature walks, playground visits, cycling and swimming, while my nine-month-old often comes along in a carrier or stroller. Not every outing has to be a big adventure. Sometimes it's as simple as a family walk after dinner, a visit to the park, or letting the children explore nature at their own pace. Consistency matters more than intensity, especially when they're young," she adds.
For Atisya Rosli, 30, who is mother to one-year-old daughter Ave, early exposure to outdoor activities is important. "Exercise is very important for kids because it helps with their physical development, coordination, and overall health," she says.
"It also gives them an outlet for their energy, helps improve their mood and encourages healthy habits from a young age. That's why, even when Ave is only one, my husband and I take her to play outdoors to allow her to explore, learn and build confidence through movement," she says.
Even if it's just a simple walk at the park or letting her play outside, Atisya says she prioritises outdoor play, especially on weekends. "We make more effort to spend time outdoors as a family, whether that's walking, visiting a playground or exploring someplace new," she says.
Challenges in urban areas
With busy parental scedules and heavy traffic, living in the city may pose challenges for families who want to carve time out for outdoor play but Dr Nge says urban areas offer opportunities if residents seek them out.
"Kuala Lumpur has parks, playgrounds, walking trails and community recreational spaces that can provide excellent environments for children to stay active. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Even a short walk, a game of chase, or an hour at the playground can make a difference," she says. "And sometimes, you have fun runs and walks that the family can sign up for and everyone can have a good time."
Atisya says finding suitable spaces for toddlers and kids can be challenging but it's definitely possible. "There are parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly outdoor areas that they can go to. Sometimes it requires a bit more planning, but I think it's worth the effort," she adds.
Dr Nge says modelling healthy behaviour for kids is crucial, which is why parents need to be active too. "Children learn far more from what they see than what they are told. We try to let our kids see that physical activity is something we genuinely enjoy and prioritise, not a chore."
Atisya says she tries to make physical activity a normal part of their daily routine. "I bring her for a walk, take her to play in the park and join her. I believe children learn best by watching what their parents do, so I try to show them exercise is enjoyable."
Whether it's choosing the stairs over the elevator, an outdoor walk over just watching a movie or simply staying active while doing house chores, Dr Nge says she we wants her children to see movement as a normal part of life.
"I also focus on making exercise fun rather than competitive. My goal isn't to raise athletes; it's to raise children who appreciate an active lifestyle and understand that taking care of their bodies is a lifelong investment in their health and well-being."
