Children’s Health: Helping Children Stay Active

I saw an interesting post on Facebook from a family member. His children had been given iPads at school … to be taken home. They were to use them for homework. Parents had to pay a fee in case the child lost or damaged the computer. The parents had no other choice either.

You’d think we have enough trouble getting our kids to kick up after class is over without requiring the use of a computer. You know that it will not be used by a single teacher. They all will. All my teachers did it in the old days when we had to go to the library.

Talk to teachers: This is not the time to be a helicopter parent, but it is something that should be discussed between parents and teachers. There are many issues that need to be addressed, including the problem of too much homework. Even with the Internet, writing six articles would be difficult for any child, and depending on age and class type, it is a possibility.

Limits: These teaching devices will not only be used for homework. The world is available and once they are done with their classroom assignments, the Internet will catch their eye. This is where we have to step in and get our kids up and moving. Set a limit on how long they can play so they have time to be active.

Example: We need to lead by example. After going over the program with the teachers and setting limits for our children, we need to set limits for ourselves and get active. Take half an hour to play ball (girls like it too). Go for a family outing. Let the kids see that this is how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Once we have the Internet in our lives, it is very easy to get into bad habits. Not being active is one of them.