Article Presented by:
Sally Goldberg, Ph.D.
Q. Diabetes, obesity, and ADD/ADHD are all on the rise for children. What are we doing wrong?
A. Besides the well-acknowledged dietary influences, experts are now focusing on the problems of inactivity. We went straight from an active lifestyle for children to one that causes them a sedentary existence. In addition, we have lost many of the hands-on interactive play activities along the way.
Exercise and movement were always a natural part of a child's daily life. Children in school had an even balance of active and quiet activities. They were encouraged to move around the room, enjoy recess, and play outdoors. Most were exposed to a full array of parks and play areas. Traditional playgrounds were set up to allow children to move in every direction--up and down on a slide, back and forth on a swing, around on a merry-go-round, and in every direction while keeping balance on a jungle gym.
Baby life had its own set of parameters for an active life. The baby blanket was the first place for a baby to have a safe and comfortable environment for movement. Next a rug provided a natural setting for an older baby to crawl about. Later, toddlers did well in a child-proof house set up for safe exploration. At two, an outside play area was a huge success. From three to five preschoolers spent many happy hours at a park or playing with others in different homes.
Today
Most schools pay little attention in the early years to anything besides academics. There is no concern for balancing active and quiet time. Recess has become almost a thing of the past. With the constant use of infant seats and car seats, babies and young children have lost much of their time to move around freely.
Stroller life has taken over. As you look around the mall and in other public places, notice the strollers. You will see babies, toddlers, twos, and preschoolers spending long hours being wheeled around. Little ones are in these seats covered with all kinds of hoods and hanging toys. Many have either pacifiers in their mouths, bottles propped, sippie cups in their hands, or food they are eating.
The plastic pacifiers, replacements for real thumbs, are often unnecessary. Bottles, substitutes for nursing, are often given to babies in their stroller and not in the arms of mom or another caring adult. Sippie cups, substitutes for regular cups, are used like toys. These are meant for use at the table, and then only if it is thought a child is likely to cause a spill. Food is prevalent in strollers and given much too often. Meals and snacks should be given to children as much as possible at regular intervals and at a table setting.
What to Do
Set up safe and accessible play areas for babies to move, crawl, and get around. Minimize stroller time as much as possible. Replace as much of it as possible with opportunities for walking. Arrange for hands-on interactive play. Take a walk, play catch, and work on a family project. Hobbies and crafts are also popular. All these activities promote movement and enhance the ability to focus and pay attention. Instead of entertaining from the outside, they stimulate concentration and creativity. These are all positive ways to help your child return to a more active, interactive, and healthy way of life.
About the Author:
Sally Goldberg, Ph.D., is a parenting specialist in Scottsdale, AZ. She empowers parents to solve parenting issues. With unique personalized workshops and one-on-one consultations in person and by telephone, she gives parents insights related to self-esteem, behavior, respect, ADD/ADHD, self-care, and more. If you would like to contact Dr. Sally, you can reach her at 480-766-6323 or drsally@drsallyparenting.com Find out more at http://www.drsallyparenting.com
