Why Your Child Needs to Get Outside and Play
Every parent and babysitter has witnessed the hypnotic effects of TVs, computers, and mobile devices. The house can become eerily quiet when children start watching those screens.
While they might offer a welcome break for the grownups, it’s possible to overdo a child’s exposure to this type of passive entertainment. Obesity is a very real threat to youngsters in the U.S., and it’s an issue that’s exacerbated by an abundance of unhealthy foods and sedentary life choices.
Poor eating and low-activity habits can persist into adulthood, which poses eventual cardiovascular risks. Here are several considerations parents need to keep in mind if they want to encourage their children to become more active.
Obesity risks
Our modern lifestyles might be hurting us more than helping us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has charted how childhood obesity has doubled over the past three decades, with about one-third of children in the U.S. considered overweight or obese in 2012.
Parents need to cultivate an interest in healthy eating and physical activity to keep their children within a healthy weight range. Examine the foods that are served to your child at school and home and help them understand how to make healthy choices.
Do not let your kids indulge in excessive amounts of snacks. Encourage them to take part in planned sports activity and spontaneous play sessions.
Tech limits
Unfortunately, our immersion in technology is probably contributing to sedentary lifestyles amongst children and adults. As a parent, you need to set time limits on gaming, mobile use, and TV entertainment.
These forms of recreation can cause children to spend hours being immobile, and that can quickly lead to weight issues and a reduction in cardiovascular health. Many TVs and mobile devices allow parents to control access to the programming.
Adults can also use creative motivation to restrict tech use. For example, give your child a Wi-Fi access code once he or she completes the chores and a reasonable amount of outdoor activities for the day.
Health benefits
Children can thrive on a schedule of daily exercise. Allowing your child to work off excess energy can help him or her to sleep better at night and keep the circadian rhythms regulated.
Exercise can also help children regulate stress, so they’re less likely to have temper tantrums and emotional outbursts. Regular exercise can boost kids’ metabolism, and help them feel more awake and alert during class.
The healthy exercise habits they pick up now will most likely carry on into adulthood.
Socialization
Enroll your children in group activities and outdoor sports every summer. This will help them form rewarding bonds with other children, learn about teamwork, and build potentially lasting friendships.
Don’t let your kids miss out on opportunities for socialization during their formative years. Playing in groups can help your child navigate group dynamics at school and in the neighborhood.
Developing healthy exercise and dietary habits in your children can dramatically increase their overall quality of life. Restrict sedentary forms of entertainment and encourage your child to take part in group activities outdoors.
Such habits will have significantly positive effects on your son or daughter’s health and ability to socialize.