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Sept 13, 2002 With the advent of the computer, computer games & video games, various children's TV channels and cartoon networks, children's video movies, Game Boy's, Nintendo's, and other similar sedentary activities, are we letting our children grow into the habit of a sedentary lifestyle? "But they enjoy it," you say. "It keeps them occupied for hours," you say." "Used properly these things are a great learning experience," another says. "All the kids are playing these games, and I want my child to be able to fit in," I hear. "It is all good, harmless fun," you proclaim. Well, all of these statements are true, to an extent. My kids play a variety of learning based and game CD-ROM's. They have their PlayStation with all the new action packed 3D games you could ever imagine. They both have a Game Boy, and even have the link so that they can play against each other or a friend. We watch the Disney channel and other cartoon networks. We have more than one shelf full of children's movie videos and DVD's. "So what's the problem?" you ask. "You let your kids do it, my kids do it, all the kids I know do at least most of these." First of all I have no problem with any of these activities. They can all be good clean fun, give a good variety to after-school or weekend activities, and help them learn and develop skills. Most of them can be enjoyed by one child, or several at a time. Parents can get into the act and play with their child, watch a movie, or assist them in getting through some challenging new skill areas. I want to however, encourage all parents, grandparents, and caretakers to add another dimension to what your child may normally do. Developing a love of being outside, running and playing, and enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful habit to start early. So many of us adults spend most of our lives inside, whether it be working, shopping, "surfing the net," or spending time at home. Getting outside for sporting and recreational activities can help stimulate our body and mind. We all need some fresh air and movement, other than what we get moving from the couch or computer chair to the kitchen. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors and to start up some kind of physical activity routine. Go to the park with your kids. Walk around the yard, go further and walk around the neighborhood. See things from a foot pace rather than from the car window. You do not need money to get out and toss a ball around. Take the time to blow bubbles and run to catch them or stomp on them, play hide and seek, have races from one tree to another. Just enjoy the time together, outside. Teach your child how to ride a bike. Teach them how to play baseball. Play with them. Have fun with them. Let the fresh air in your lungs and just enjoy the day and the time together. Would you rather have your kids' memories be filled of times sitting with you on the couch with the remote control, or of playing in the park, swinging high, racing to catch a ball, or just laying on your backs watching the clouds float by? Fire up the Bar-B-Que. Chase your kids in a game of tag. Enjoy this time of their lives---soon they will grow up and move out and have a life of their own. You can be a kid again - with your kids, and enjoy that light of happiness in their eyes as you spend some fun, happy, outside play time with them! Take some time out for physical play and fun outside. Combining activity with "brain" work is the best combination you can get. Go have some fun! ------------ Judy Duncan is an Occupational Therapist, self employed working with infants and toddlers in their homes. She also writes on Epinions.com. Email Judy: djduncan@epix.net Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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