Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash
According to the National Physical Activity Plan organization, only 24% of U.S. children and youth ages 6 to 17 meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity every day, partly due to schools all across America steering away from mandated recess.
The organization also states that only 33% of children ages 6 to 19 adhere to the recommendation of two hours or less of screen time per day. Consequently, more and more children are spending significant time in front of screens instead of heading outside to stay active.
Children and youth in general have a hard time sitting still and focusing in class. The cut-back on recess time makes it even more difficult for children, especially those with learning prohibitors such as ADHD, to perform well in school. This not only affects important school performance for years to come but can also disrupt the household when an anxious and jumpy kid arrives home after school.
Parents can help to make sure their kids are getting more active and releasing built up energy when they come home from school by encouraging activities beyond phones, iPads, televisions and video games. Here are some activity suggestions to fill in the recess deficit:
Screenless games that will keep the child engaged, but also active. GPX features great screenless tech options such as a 4-blaster laser tag set that can turn the whole backyard or family room into a competitive gaming course. This game allows them to play out a video game like experience with friends or family, while also getting in important activity hours.
Encourage friends to come over. Inviting fellow classmates over after school might also help encourage kids to play outside vs. staying cooped up in the house. Especially with other screenless tech, like drones. There are affordable drones for beginners and small children that have obstacle avoidance technology making it less likely to break or crash. The drones will keep kids occupied.
Create fun incentives. For warmer months, offer children a popsicle or ice cream cone if they play outside. When the weather starts to cool off, offer a nice cup of hot chocolate, with marshmallows!
Set a designated family night. A family night ensures participation from all family members, willing or not. Instead of family night being a movie or other relaxing activity, turn family night into a basketball game outside or other active outdoor activity such as football, soccer, etc. This will get all family members active while also strengthening family bonds.
Chore allowance. Let the kids make extra money for outdoor chores. Raking leaves, pulling weeds from the garden, watering plants, and picking up trash all around the yard are all surefire ways to keep the kids outside and moving—while also putting money in their piggy bank.