| Do you recall playing games like red rover, hopscotch, | | | | toss a ball with them, play a chasing game or teach |
| tag or marbles? Games that used to have you out | | | | them something from our own childhood. The best |
| playing until your mum came out calling for you | | | | way to get our kids to do what we want them to is to |
| because it was getting dark. | | | | set a positive example. |
| It seems like our own kids spend less and less time | | | | Establish a routine of going on a family walk or visiting |
| playing these simple active outdoor games. Studies | | | | a park on a regular basis to play outdoor games |
| have shown that the average child spends more than | | | | together or even ride your bikes. So get out there and |
| 20 hours a week playing video games alone and that | | | | spend some quality time with your kids, the washing |
| doesn't even count the hours spent in front of the | | | | can wait, and you'll all feel the better for it. |
| television! | | | | Staying active is not only good for our kids (and our |
| Many parents blame modern society, particularly those | | | | own) health, it is also beneficial socially for children to |
| in apartments with limited access to open spaces. | | | | play games, particularly in a group situation. They can |
| Having their children playing out of their sight is | | | | take on leadership roles, use negotiation skills and burn |
| understandably beyond their comfort zone. | | | | energy all while having fun. Best of all for parents you |
| Maybe us parents need to loosen the shackles on | | | | will have them sleeping soundly. |
| ourselves. Rather than sending our kids out to play, go | | | | |