Getting Kids Active

An inspiring read for individuals and organizations who recognize the value of sport in today's society. This book elaborates on current concepts applicable to the lifestyles of children across the nation. Both the information and suggested games contained therein can be applicable in schools and sport organizations.

[EXCERPT FROM 'GETTING KIDS ACTIVE']

Chapter 1

A New Age

In this technological age there has been an increase of online pursuits as well as the preferential use of electronic solutions.  At the same time there has been a downward shift in the number of children partaking in outdoor activities and physical exercise.

Many are the number of children who have become somewhat 'glued' to computer games, consoles, tablets and smart phones.  In this modern era many evenings can be typically spent with endless hours to the aforementioned gadgets, with less attention sacrificially given to homework assignments and fitness activities.  Such a lifestyle can contribute to a considerable degree to the impact upon children's physical health, strength and well-being.

The activity patterns of yesteryear would have witnessed a great deal of children partaking in outdoor activities, such as team games, ball games, climbing trees, bike-riding and the like.  The latter would have in the long term helped children to maintain a more balanced bodyweight, improved muscle strength, physical fitness as well as other factors like companionship.

In today's educational establishments, the encouragement of PE participation and extra-curricular activities should be part and parcel to their ethos, as well as standard practice.  Cases in which children have consistently attended school without bringing their PE kit, gives them but a 'free pass' out of relevant participation, both in and out of school.  Such continued absences can result in children having limited flexibility.  On a day to day basis, such children would not be making full use of their muscles and lead fairly inactive lifestyles.

It is also both fundamental and crucial to approach the concept of one's lifestyle holistically as opposed to isolated factors.  Additional areas include, diet & nutrition, life-skills, health & well-being, social & emotional development, which all play important roles.  If we take into consideration nutrition, for example, there could be several factors that could be highlighted.  Children who frequently go without breakfast, not only affects brain development and concentration in a negative manner, but may also cause a child to become disengaged.  On the other hand, if a child's basic diet is either unhealthy or imbalanced, this may also take its toll later down the line.  Beneficially, today there are a number of schemes in place that are aimed at providing children with breakfast in schools, which is additionally a positive step for children who may have come from disadvantaged backgrounds.