There has been growing concern in the regarding childhood obesity, particularly in westernized countries where fast foods have become so prominent. From 1980 to 2008 the incidence of childhood obesity has increased by nearly 15% in the United States alone. Adolescent obesity has increased 13% over the same time period. Studies show that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past three decades, and future projections look bleak.

The explanation for this dramatic increase in overweight children is not difficult to understand. Thirty years ago technology had not yet advanced to the point where it targeted children. Portable tape cassettes were beginning to replace CD players, and the once popular boom box became a thing of the past. But the nearly indestructible mp3 player was still two decades away, and youngsters remained in the “hands-off” stage of personal music devices. Computer games were sparse, and those that existed were visually unappealing to a child, and far too complex for a child to play. Consequently, children aged six to eleven continued to seek their entertainment in physical activity. Sports included kickball, soccer, swimming, flag tag, and tee ball. Outdoor games included tag, hide and seek, and red rover. Chores for children often involved tasks such as raking leaves and planting. Garden toys made it fun to work outside, and children assisted parents in gardening tasks. Kids were always on the move. Obesity was not an issue.

With the advent of computer games, and gaming systems like the Sony Playstation and the Nintendo series, suddenly children became the target of colourful, exciting advertisements. Outdoor toys and garden toys gathered dust. Children spent hours every day sitting in front of computer monitors, television screens, or handheld devices. Physical activity dramatically fell, while obesity quietly rose. Today we can witness truly advanced gaming devices with colourful graphics and crisp sound. Many are small and conveniently portable. Outdoor toys cannot compete with these electronics that capture the imagination of children, draw them in and hold them captive for hours every day.

However, there is resurgence in innovative and exciting outdoor toys. Mobile toys abound. The Ripstik, Sole Skate, skateboards, scooters, inline skates and sleek sporty bicycles are just a few outdoor toys that woo our children, and offer good physical exercise. Trampolines and zip lines, swing sets and rock climbing walls, swimming pools and boogie boards, all provide the fun and excitement children need to become involved.

Today’s garden toys are nearly as realistic as the tools mom and dad use. Wheel barrows, plastic shovels and rakes, sturdy and colourful chainsaws that make noises-the list goes on. Parents can easily attract their kids to outdoor tasks by providing them with a few interesting garden activities and toys. Many of these actually have moving parts while ome even light up, or vibrate when in use. As soon as children remember how fun it is to be outdoors, electronic games won’t hold their attention.

Parents must also set limits on the amount of time children are allowed to stare at a television or monitor. Remember that parents set the examples for their kids. Invite your kids for a walk, or a swim in the pool. Let them join you in the garden. It won’t be long before outdoor toys and garden toys attract children effectively, offering them education, fun, and exercise. In the process everyone gets exercise, and the family spends time together.

Author Bio: Jenny Talorman is an amateur writer with a special interest in education, young development and educating others on a range of topics which include; education, the role of outdoor toys and games in development, young peoples’ issues and even baking.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: children, kids, development, play, growth, fun