These days, you're more likely to find your child planted in front of the television than enjoying a game of pickup hockey or tag with the neighbourhood kids, playing outdoors. The computer may have revolutionized the workplace but it's turning some of our kids into couch potatoes.
Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Parenting Books, talked to Dr. Marla Shapiro about how to get your child off the couch and back to the playground.
Kids at home
In her own household, Douglas enforces a maximum one-hour video game and computer game limit. She said setting limits in your own home is essential, and it's important not to feel pressured by what other families are doing. Even though her 12-year old son sometimes resents the game-playing limits, Douglas said she isn't worried: "I know I'm going to have a healthier kid."
To make it easier for your kids to get active, Douglas suggested getting together with neighbours in your area. "I've talked to other parents about doing things together -- organizing neighbourhood Olympics or playing pool noodle hockey together," she said.
Being active doesn't have to mean being the best or being competitive. It's important to show your kids that it's okay not to be perfect at something.
Encourage active family fun
Most of all, it's important to find fun family activities -- something to do as a whole family. The need to be active doesn't just apply to kids.
"We really have to walk the talk as parents," Douglas said. "You can't just say oh, you kids should be more active and we bought bicycles for you, so while we're watching our movie on the couch tonight, we would like you guys to go out there and do something. We have to be prepared to do stuff too."
Think about what it is that your child would really like to do. Find different things for different kids depending on their interests and their ideas of fun. To get kids moving, parents need to be adventurous and "think outside the box," Douglas said.
In the quest to get your children moving toward something other than the remote, parents need to make activity a family priority.
"If it doesn't find its way on to the family calendar, it's not going to happen," Douglas said.
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