Rule out recess, that is. This is one of my sore spots when it comes to children. WE are responsible for the future of our youth. We teach them all kinds of things from values to attitudes to how to eat. But somehow, in this “no kid left behind” world, we have become too focused on so called “enrichment” classes and activities to the point that childhood obesity has become an epidemic.
We CAN do something about school lunches. if you cannot influence the offerings, then at least you can send something from home. And, that’s definitely a step in the right direction.
But what about the other side of the equation? The equation that’s been proven time after time after time: our bodies are meant to move. We work & perform better. We think better. Our bodies heal better. We feel better…when we are active. And so do our kids.
No longer do schools have physical education every day…how sad is that? And recess–a physical and mental break which is key on many levels– is often dependent on a slew of factors. Sadly, an article in Dallas Child magazine says close to 40% of our nation’s schools have reduced or are thinking about eliminating recess from the school day. My daughter’s elementary school only has PE 2-3 days a week, where the goal is some activity for at least 20 minutes.
Gone are the days when our kids learn various sports in school PE. I learned all my sports that way! In today’s world, the knowledge comes from parents getting kids into extracurricular sports outside of the schools. And while that combats the issue some, it isn’t an option for many under-privileged families. With parents working, kids are often left to the entertainment of TVs and computer games…and a lot of artificial, nutritiously empty, processed food.
Whole Foods has a wonderful program that is free for schools to participate in. It helps kids log miles that they walk/run in quarter mile segments. In Texas, there is a kick off celebration and 6 months later, a final lap celebration. The children who successfully complete a log that equates to a “marathon” (26 miles) earn a free T-shirt and finisher’s medal. I think it’s a great program for the education, goal setting and physical aspects. My daughter is participating for her 4th year. The program also comes with a food calendar to count daily fruit and vegetable intake. It’d be easy to implement in your area and Whole Foods would be happy to help. We participate as “independents”!
Take a stand and speak up. For your kids or the kids in your neighborhood. Be a role model. Let children see you being active and invite them to join you. And let me know what’s working for you!
This is a fight worth fighting.
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