With Increased Technology Comes Decreased Activity
Children are spending more
and more time on a tablet, in front of the television, or on a video game
system. Kids love the newest devices, apps, movies, and television shows. These
tools of entertainment can be a great source of fun and enjoyment. But they have the potential to negatively affect a child’s health by limiting
movement.
With summer around the bend,
our students and youth are going to be less likely to be outside than 10 or 15 years ago because of
these forms of entertainment. The National Summer Learning Association says
that, “Children gain weight two or three times faster during summer vacation
than during the school year.” When children are in school they are constantly
supervised, and their diet and activity is monitored. In the summer, it is easy
for a student to slip into the routine of electronic entertainment and snacking
while their physical health gets set to the side. Here are 5 ideas for helping children stay fit and active.
Alternatives to Summer-Time Sluggishness
1.
Join a club or
team- Children will not only have a reason to get fit, but they will also be
learning valuable life lessons and building strong relationships along the way.
Swim clubs are a huge hit in the summer, and baseball is in full swing along
with many other camps and training. Through practices and games, students will
get plenty of needed activity.
2.
Summer camp-
Summer camps, like the ones offered through your local YMCA, provide
supervision and criteria to keep children eating healthier and staying fit.
They’ll build friendships, learn new skills, and build a stronger body to keep
them healthy. A summer camp can be a great way to build memories and a strong
foundation of physical health in a fun way.
3.
Teach healthy
eating- As well as minimizing the amounts of unhealthy snacks in the household,
teach young children about healthy food alternatives. If your children know
about the risks of eating unhealthy foods to excess, they will be more likely
to make better snack choices. Make this a fun activity while shopping in the
grocery store or through an educational program.
4.
Limit time in
front of the TV and other devices- Limiting the time children spend in front of
electronic devices is key to keeping them entertained in healthier ways during
the summer. Making time spent with electronics equal to the time they spend
doing something active can be helpful. Show them that there are adventures waiting
to be discovered outside a screen, and connect with them through conversation and play.
5.
Get active with
children- If you lead with a positive example, children are more likely to
follow in your footsteps. Show them that being active can be fun in various
ways. Go for a hike, play follow the leader, do chores together, play outdoor
games like hide and seek, garden together, or go to the park and play. There
are plenty of online sources that offer creative games that include no
equipment and will get kids moving.
Make this a summer to
remember for both you, and for the children in your care. With childrens' metabolisms potentially slowing over the summer, making physical activity fun again can be a
major solution to the problem. Get students and children moving this
summer so that they can return to a new school year feeling healthier and more
confident than ever!
