Watching TV, surfing the web and playing computer games or small handheld devices can be good fun and even educational, but spending too much time sitting still each day can be bad for our health.
It’s important to balance screen time with active play time so our bodies can grow strong, fit and healthy.
Did you know that 92 per cent of children aged 12-17 years old watched television, used the internet, or played computer games for more than two hours a day?
And nearly half of children aged between five and 15 years spend more than two hours every day on ‘small screen’ entertainment.
Screen time is quickly taking over our lives and the lives of our children while playgrounds and some neighbourhoods sit idly quiet.
I recently place my four children on a “device detox” that has lasted four weeks. In order to take away devices, it was up to me to replace their constant behaviour elsewhere, so we purchased weights, skipping ropes, soccer and volley balls and got ourselves up to the track to move our bodies.
It is a work in progress, and there have been some withdrawal symptoms, but in the end, the kids are becoming more active and less complacent.
Every new change in life will take time for adjustment, but if we the parents do not intervene and show (not tell) our children how to live a healthier lifestyle, they will continue to isolate themselves and become less social, and communicative than those enjoying being active.
The Alberni Valley offers an exquisite array of trails to hike and walk through, playgrounds with picnic tables to spend an afternoon in either in town our near the water, bike parks, soccer and ball fields and so much more that do not cost anything a family to visit.
Take advantage of our community, and change screen time into family time.
To read more stories in our childcare section click here. Childcare spaces lacking in Valley
or here: First Nations children learn culture at Paawats