Recently, I stole the USA Weekend portion of the Sunday paper from my wife, and what I found seemed like both common sense, and new & important news.  Inside was a special report on “Raising Healthier Kids.”  Naturally, as a parent and educator, I turned to the article.  Following is a part of what I found…

 Today’s obesity epidemic in young people ironically coincides with a record-high increase in organized sports participation by kids.  In addition, a University of Maryland study has shown a 50% drop in recent years in unstructured activities like hiking, walking and fishing.  I asked myself, “What gives?”  Sports are great for discipline, following directions, the importance of teamwork as well as their mental and physical benefits, but they don’t leave much to our imaginations.  In addition, organized sports often have limited actual play time.  Watch a group of kids in a playground or wooded area, however, and you’ll see nonstop action.

Unfortunately, today’s school schedules don’t allow for hours of unstructured play, and this is not the fault of local school districts.  I encourage you to play with your kids as much as possible, out-of-doors every chance that is appropriate, and to hearken back to your youth when your parents, like mine, “kicked” us outside to have all the fun we could have before dinner.  There are unlimited benefits to playtime with friends and out-of-doors, leaving the television and video games for a rainy day.

Jim Walter