What do you mean you're going outside to play?

In the digital age, we rarely see many kids outside, playing physical games. Most of the time they're glued to computers, the TV, or hand held devices. Now, game makers have come up with the Wii and kids can actually burn a few calories on that, BUT!, does it really take the place of going outside, running around in the grass, getting dirty and breathing fresh air? I don't think so. I'm sure the Wii is fun and kids can work up a sweat, but seriously, I don't think it's a replacement for 'real' exercise.

I see a lot of overweight, unhealthy kids. A lot more than when I was young. Some studies have shown that playing an interactive video game can burn as much as 60-70 calories an hour, but real playing of an actual sport can be as much as up to four times that amount. Also, I have to wonder about the mental wellness of a kid who plays virtual games all of the time. It seems to me that illusion and reality might become confused, especially in younger kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids perform 60 minutes of physical activity daily to keep healthy. An hour a day! 

I remember as a child being outdoors not for an hour, but hours! We did everything we could, we foraged the forest, made forts, built tree houses, dug big holes that we could fit into, built things from wood scraps, and endlessly chased each other around trying to get that hit in after being hit. Kids' stuff, without elaborate, expensive toys. No matter what, we found something to do. We went inside at night, as filthy as pigs that had been rolling around in mud, but we were healthy and washable.

I really feel sorry for the kids these days. They really are missing out on a lot of fun and they are getting sick. Obesity, diabetes, digestive and kidney diseases are running rampant in children. 

Thankfully, I don't have a problem getting my kids out of the house, but I do have friends and neighbors that do. As I sit here writing this now, the PS-3 is sitting here on the floor, in a corner and the boys are out playing soccer (they have their own, private teams in the neighborhood). They would rather go out than play video games. Don't get me wrong, they still love them, time is just limited.

What are some things that parents can do to reverse this? I limit time on the Internet for my boys. They're allowed an hour, but they usually don't even use that. They'd rather talk to their friends face to face rather than through a chat client. TV is not a big deal in our house. We have some favorite shows, but I don't care if I miss them, except for the news or a Lakers game. They have some favorite shows, too, but like me, if something better comes along they go for that.

One of my friends has a son who is morbidly obese. I've known this child since he was two. He and my son grew up together and now in their teen years they're best buddies, more like brothers. Well, because of his obesity he has a hard time walking and going up and down stairs (old? No, he's 17). I live on the 4th floor and we don't have an elevator because it's an old building. He climbs slowly up, then they sit around for a while and play some games. Then I tell them to go outside and play. This kid does not want to do that! He will try to get out of that in any way, but it doesn't work with me. This has happened a number of times, and sadly, he doesn't come over any more. 

People can blame who they want to, but it comes down to the parent. No excuses, no buts. Everyone's so afraid of making someone angry, but the truth has to be told. You are the teacher of your child. I am in no way perfect and I have made tons of mistakes as far as parenting goes, but keeping my child healthy has never been an option that I would opt out of. The next time you or anyone hands that overweight child a bag of Doritos or a Pepsi, think... Would you feed a diabetic a bowl of sugar? Would you let your child play with a loaded gun? Someone has to start taking responsibility for these kids or we won't have any left.

That's my opinion, what's yours? 

Boys out playing soccer