How do you keep kids physically active with the onslaught of video games? Here are five tips that will help balance your child's recreation time.
Video games seem to have taken over.
Gone are the days of freeze tag and hide and go seek. The kids of today seemed to be electronically engaged and reluctant to get outside and play.
So, how do you manage this electronic frenzy and strike some kind of balance? How do you keep their brain development active while letting them have their fun?
Watch the Content of Video Games
Video games have a rating system. Games are rated from Early Childhood to Adults Only and all points in between. Make sure your kids know what the ratings are and what’s acceptable. There will be different allowances based on age range and maturity.
Talk about the categories. Make sure your kids know you’re paying attention to what they’re seeing and what they’re playing.
Don’t Let Screen Time of Video Games Take Over
Set some guidelines and stick to them. Maybe it’s going to be one hour of screen time each day. Maybe it’s five hours per week.
Whatever it is, pick a number and be firm. Just like most parenting, consistency is critical. Kids need boundaries and they need to know you’ll stick to them.
Talk With Your Kids About Exercise
Make sure your kids understand the price of obesity. Talk with them about a balanced diet and how a “couch potato” can fall into the trap of inactivity.
Video games are not a sin, but if they become the “everything” in your house, they’re likely replacing exercise.
Encourage your kids to get outside and connect with the neighbor kids. There are also social benefits to the interaction that takes place away from the screen.
Spend Time With Your Kids Outside
Don’t just tell your kids to go outside. Sometimes, an example goes a long way.
Play catch or tag with them in the front yard.
Don’t just say physical activity is important. Back it up by spending the time with them outside. It will be a great bonding time -- one they’ll start to look forward to.
A family bike ride is a great way to burn some calories and spend some time together.
Reading is Equally Important
Some things that draw your kids to screens -- Sponge Bob Squarepants, Star Wars, Harry Potter -- also exist in a book.
Make sure to nudge your kids towards a good book. A book can be entertaining and educational. Strong reading skills will never be a liability.
In the end, it will take work, but a good balance between reading, screen time and exercise is worth the effort. You’ll be glad you took the time.
