Kids just don't get enough time to play these days, and even when given the time they typically don't make the most of it. A combination of paranoia induced by mass media, busy schedules, a dependence on media, and new set of American values has kids spending too much time around the house and taking life a little too seriously. Far more than just an interesting development in modern human evolution, it's a trend that hinders your child's cognitive and physical development.
Even at a young age, deciding to schedule a certain amount of time every single day for physical activity can begin to build this sense of exercise as routine and set the mark early in life before it becomes a drag. This doesn't mean to wake your kids up at 4 in the morning and hand them a barbell with a heavy stack of plates at each end.Be a leader and at the same time inspire independent thought. Show them how to make these healthy decisions for themselves.Competitive sports are a magnificent way to inspire not only physical activity but social development and confidence-building. I honestly can think of no better endeavor to make a regular part of a child's life from an early age. Keeping your children involved in sports from early adolescence all through high school will make them a more well-rounded person who is distracted from less constructive activities.Maybe you'll just never have the time to give the kids the unbridled activity they need. Maybe you understand the media horror stories are sensationalized but still don't want your kid running amuck, exposed to the risks, no matter how small they might be. But that doesn't mean you can't create an environment at home that is conducive to play.While I find it a bit sad that it has become a necessary part of the American parent's life, sometimes we have to accept our rigid schedules and actually set dates and times for playing�whether it be a day at the park, the beach, or our own backyard. Sometimes we have to accept the way things are and do our best to get our kids what they need.4. Leverage SportsA great way to do that is to set up a small playground in your backyard. Some swing sets, a slide, monkey bars�having a source of healthy activity right there at home means they can get everything they need without even leaving the perimeter of your yard. And for most kids, you'll have a hard time keeping them inside once something like this is provided.Let's face it�all this talk of healthy behavior and exercise doesn't really vibe well with the mind of the child. I still say you should communicate, and they might not even get it at first, but someday they will.4. Make a Play Environment1. Limit Time on Media3. Be Healthy YourselfForget fad diets and a push to lose 30 pounds. Instead, work on slowly but surely become fit for life.
A great way to do that is to set up a small playground in your backyard. Some swing sets, a slide, monkey bars�having a source of healthy activity right there at home means they can get everything they need without even leaving the perimeter of your yard. And for most kids, you'll have a hard time keeping them inside once something like this is provided.
Author: James Druman
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