Actress Eliza Sam emphasized the crucial role of outdoor activities in child development and well-being today, sharing her personal routine for keeping her two young sons active. Speaking at the opening ceremony for a new outdoor playground in Hong Kong on February 12th, Sam highlighted the cognitive and emotional benefits derived from daily physical engagement.
The celebrated television personality, known for her dedication to fitness as well as her roles, explained that she intentionally schedules time each day for her five and six-year-old boys to “burn energy.” This routine, which includes activities they genuinely enjoy, is key to their holistic growth.
Balancing Tech and Tumbles
Sam noted that her children love engaging in varied activities, including scootering, drawing outdoors, and participating in climbing games at the park. Beyond simply expending energy, which she confirmed aids in easier and deeper sleep, Sam stressed that such movement is vital for training cognitive functions and enhancing hand-eye coordination. Furthermore, she believes regular exercise significantly contributes to positive emotional health.
In an age dominated by digitalization, Sam maintains a balanced approach regarding technology. She rejects the notion of completely banning electronic devices, asserting that children must be equipped with multi-faceted skills to navigate and understand the modern world. Sam sees her role as an intermediary, helping her children establish a healthy equilibrium between screen time and physical engagement, ensuring they remain abreast of current trends while cultivating essential real-world abilities.
Fitness Challenge Fuels Parenting Stamina
On the topic of personal fitness, Sam discussed her recent success completing the rigorous Plank Dance Challenge, which she recently shared with followers on social media. She expressed satisfaction at mastering the demanding physical feat, crediting her training partner, actress and fitness enthusiast Vivian Leung, with whom she has been collaborating on a drama series.
Sam revealed that extensive practice sessions at the gym were required to successfully execute the complex core and coordination movements. However, her motivation goes beyond career demands. “As my children continue to grow, I need greater stamina just to keep up with them,” she confessed, underscoring the physical demands of modern parenting.
Sam’s advocacy aligns with recommendations from pediatric health organizations globally, which consistently stress that unstructured outdoor play is fundamental for motor skills development, problem-solving, and managing stress in children.
Prioritizing Partner Time and Festive Reunions
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Sam shared plans to celebrate the occasion with her husband, reserving special time for just the two of them. She humorously mentioned that her goal for their dinner and coffee date is to temporarily sideline discussions about their children and rekindle their personal connection.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, the actress is coordinating gatherings with friends, including fellow celebrities like Grace Wong. A key tradition involves giving lai see (red packets containing money) to the children of her friends, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead.
Sam’s public commitment to balancing career, personal fitness, and active family life offers a powerful model for parents navigating the demands of a fast-paced environment while prioritizing their children’s foundational physical and mental health. Her emphasis on finding joy in movement for both herself and her children reinforces the necessity of structured play in a digital era.
