WARNING: This blog post may insult some people...if you are one of the ones insulted...bring your kid out more!
So this is my third attempt in six months to write this post and I hope I actually follow through with it this time. I guess I am writing out of frustration. Where have all the children gone? I take my kids to one of the following everyday: playground, library, friend's house, indoor amusement park, mall play space (ok, those are usually packed). Anyways, you get my point. The sad thing is that sometimes, we are the only people there.
For example, a few weeks ago it was about eighty degrees out and it was perfect playground weather. Dan had off so we decided to go to this large playground by our house. There was probably three other families there, besides us. It was 4pm on a weekday...and beautiful out. Why aren't the playgrounds packed? Where are all the children?? What's funny is that my husband has heard me complain about this before but he turned to my while pushing Kayleigh on the swing and said: "Why aren't more kids here?" My head almost exploded!
So, maybe they are all playing in their backyard several-thousand dollar play sets I see around my neighborhood. Well, since we walk pretty much everywhere I can say...that unless they all just run indoors right when we are coming up the block, no no kids in the backyards either. THIS IS A PROBLEM. Everyone is very concerned about what their kids eat, I don't want my kid to get fat, etc. However, I see very few children actually out and about on a regular basis. People need to be moving constantly to stay in shape. I am not speaking from experience since I need to get out MORE and move more. I do think that there should be a healthy balance of exercise and diet in a child's life though and all I am seeing is the emphasis on diet. I know, its a different world even from when I was growing up. Fifty years ago kids were thrown out of their houses and told not to come back home until the street lights came on....you would be arrested for child abandonment nowadays...if a pedophile didn't scoop your kid up first. This doesn't mean they have to sit in the house all day though. Babies, toddlers, children and teenagers should get out everyday for hours at a time. It's good for them and for you!! Try it! Maybe you will be a happier person.
Forget happiness...how about skinny? Alright, it won't make you skinny but chasing your kid around a playground is a lot more work that putting that Elmo DVD in or handing your grade schooler their DS. I admit, I have my lazy days but Kayleigh can't stand being in the house and I think that's a great thing.
So there it is. Take your kid out more. It will make them healthier, happier and maybe they will even sleep better from all that fresh air! If you are so concerned about their diet then take them to a farmers market one day and help them pick out some fresh fruits and veggies. Park the car at the very end of the parking lot when you drive somewhere so you have that extra five minutes to walk and chat with your little ones...they have a lot to say! GO TO THE PLAYGROUND...YOU ARE PAYING TAXES FOR THEM!! Grab a book and read while your child runs off energy in the backyard...or on that several thousand dollar play set. Getting them active now will help them be active later. Think about it, are you raising a couch potato?
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