Un-plug for the Summer

Summer vacation is just around the corner.  Reading, writing and arithmetic will be a thing of the past for a couple of months for some kids.  Summer vacation brings sleeping in late, swimming lessons and evenings at the ball park watching softball and baseball games.  Maybe your family will take a family vacation to a new city or go to the county or state fair?  There are lots of fun things to do over the summer months if we make a concerted effort to “un-plug”.  Are your kids or grandkids too attached to their cell phones, computers and video games?  Is it a constant struggle to get them to “un-plug” and put their electronic devices down?  If so, you are not alone.  The average 8 to 18 year old spends an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media which includes watching TV and movies, listening to music, playing video games, using their cell phones to text, and the like.  What this all boils down to is that kids are spending less and less time outdoors which can take a physical and mental toll on their bodies.  Decreased time outdoors is directly linked to increased obesity in children.  It also hurts their creativity levels, ability to concentrate on tasks, and social skills according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Moving less is damaging the health and wellness of today’s children.  How about making this summer’s GOAL to get your kids and grandkids to “un-plug” and go outdoors every day to discover all the world has to offer.  Play at the park, read books at the library, pick vegetables from the garden, visit a children’s museum, and ride bicycles together.  When they are older, they won’t remember a video game, they will remember outdoor activities and adventures that you did together.  Go outside and discover something new with your child or grandchild this summer because everyone needs to play and be active!