The break from school is almost at the halfway point. In a little more than a month, teachers will return to schools to prepare for a new school year. While on vacation, many kids have stayed active through summer activities like swim leagues, outdoor games and sports. Other children have taken the break as a time to stay inside playing computer or handheld games and watching television.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Obesity is a major problem in the United States. For children, physical education classes are getting cut so that activity is at a minimum in schools. The CDC found that only 12 percent of high schoolers exercise three times a week for more than 20 minutes.
In our household, physical activity is given a high importance. We walk to the pool each day. The children are only allowed a half hour of television per day. Days are filled with group games and fun activities. On rainy days, the rare treat is a movie with popcorn. We encourage being active by joining our kids in games and activities and being prepared to fend off boredom with fun events.
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Have your kids spent the summer procliaming that it is "too hot" or that they want to "rest?" Do you set limits on how much TV is allowed and how much activity is required? How do you enforce those limits?