That's how my 9 year-old son Nicholas would prefer to spend his summer but it's not happening. Experts say too many video games will make our children a "wee" bit lazy, especially now that they don't have school, or recess to keep them active. Parents have to make sure youngsters turn off the T.V. and get moving this summer.
Getting moving can be anything like throwing a football, shooting baskets, walking the dog, or even watering the flowers--that's one of Nicholas' favorites, because somehow he always gets really wet. It just has to be something fun and physical, and the first step is encouraging children to put down the remote or video game controller.
One out of three American children are either obese or overweight, according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Part of the reason is because kids aren't getting enough exercise. They suggest:
1. Take your child to the park, whenever possible, and play outside with them--even offer alternatives to help them learn a new sport.
2. Take televisions and computers out of their bedrooms. Studies show that kids who have a T.V. in their room spend almost one and a half hours more each day watching it
3. Find ways to use the television for exercise. Try video games that encourage dancing or some type of movement or videos that teach youngsters yoga or martial arts.
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