Simple Answer: Fun and Fitness. Not necessarily in that order. Both of high importance. Stop and think about it for a few minutes.
The articles about the ever increasing problems of childhood obesity abound. Even Michelle Obama is famously on that bandwagon and with good reason. The derivative health issues caused by inactivity are both physical and mental, ranging from childhood diabetes, to heart and vascular issues to poor balance to lack of mental stimulation. All of these problems are resolved or at the least, substantially improved by quality back yard playtime with friends and family.
Adults among us can readily recall gathering up neighborhood friends for quickly organized games of dodgeball and kickball. Todays kids cant seem to unplug from their iPods or iPhones long enough to venture outside.
This is where the need for parenting comes into play. Parents need to establish rules of moderation for digital access and incorporate physical activity into the mix. Done with smiling tact, this can be fun rather than grudgingly accomplished.
Quality back yard games may be low tech in form but they still have a powerful a place in our high tech world.
Bocce ball is seeing new light and play isnt limited to formal courts- almost any space can turn into a bocce ball court. The talk that comes along with the play is engaging in a way that younger humans find refreshing and challenging-that kind of social exchange is yet another muscle that is severely underused.
Kids dont have conversations--they have Facebook chats; they write and report on the smallest of activities but there is no up close and personal contact, no meeting of the eyes and human expressions, no hugs or feelings--just the cold chat page or text surface.
Humans are pack animals. We need each other. It is a known fact that loner humans have shorter life spans. This leads to depression and suicide, all documented.
Enter the importance of creating outdoor adventures that stimulate mind and body. Parents have to take the lead on this until the infectious nature of the games take over- and they will!
Our neighborhood has played croquet all summer long but its our own speeded, up powered versions with the wickets spread a longer distance requiring more power to the mallet and better aim control.
Another favorite is speedminton--no court set up required and many can play at once. Weve had evening parties set to the kids favorite tunes with glow in the dark war paint to add to the allure. They keep coming back.
Its fun. Its active. And yes, it did get reported about on Facebook so I guess that means it was a success. But that doesnt mean that were not making inroads that have impact beyond the game--these are life changing matters. Get your family in the game and see what changes in your lives.
The articles about the ever increasing problems of childhood obesity abound. Even Michelle Obama is famously on that bandwagon and with good reason. The derivative health issues caused by inactivity are both physical and mental, ranging from childhood diabetes, to heart and vascular issues to poor balance to lack of mental stimulation. All of these problems are resolved or at the least, substantially improved by quality back yard playtime with friends and family.
Adults among us can readily recall gathering up neighborhood friends for quickly organized games of dodgeball and kickball. Todays kids cant seem to unplug from their iPods or iPhones long enough to venture outside.
This is where the need for parenting comes into play. Parents need to establish rules of moderation for digital access and incorporate physical activity into the mix. Done with smiling tact, this can be fun rather than grudgingly accomplished.
Quality back yard games may be low tech in form but they still have a powerful a place in our high tech world.
Bocce ball is seeing new light and play isnt limited to formal courts- almost any space can turn into a bocce ball court. The talk that comes along with the play is engaging in a way that younger humans find refreshing and challenging-that kind of social exchange is yet another muscle that is severely underused.
Kids dont have conversations--they have Facebook chats; they write and report on the smallest of activities but there is no up close and personal contact, no meeting of the eyes and human expressions, no hugs or feelings--just the cold chat page or text surface.
Humans are pack animals. We need each other. It is a known fact that loner humans have shorter life spans. This leads to depression and suicide, all documented.
Enter the importance of creating outdoor adventures that stimulate mind and body. Parents have to take the lead on this until the infectious nature of the games take over- and they will!
Our neighborhood has played croquet all summer long but its our own speeded, up powered versions with the wickets spread a longer distance requiring more power to the mallet and better aim control.
Another favorite is speedminton--no court set up required and many can play at once. Weve had evening parties set to the kids favorite tunes with glow in the dark war paint to add to the allure. They keep coming back.
Its fun. Its active. And yes, it did get reported about on Facebook so I guess that means it was a success. But that doesnt mean that were not making inroads that have impact beyond the game--these are life changing matters. Get your family in the game and see what changes in your lives.
Have an outdoor adventure in your back yard => get fit and have fun!
Have you tried Speedminton yet? Why not? Get your game on today!
Have you tried Speedminton yet? Why not? Get your game on today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_McCall
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar