How to Keep Kids Active in This Electronics Fueled World

These days children are being raised in a world that is completely engrossed in popular culture and technology. Between TV shows, computers, video games, social networking sites, advertisements, and cell phones; children are constantly bombarded by colorful graphics and touch screens.  So, how are we as parents supposed to find the right balance?  Sometimes just "pulling the plug" isn't an option in a world where being tech savvy is essential for success.

Here is the bottom line. We cannot complete shut our children off from technology and want them to be successful in the "real world."  These days the assignments given out at school require our children to be in front of a computer screen for hours on end and, let's face it, most of us parents are doing the same thing every day!  

We all love our children and we want them to be successful in their adult lives.  Part of preparing them for success is not completely disconnecting our children from technology, but teaching them how to achieve a healthy balance.  Children are being exposed to technology at alarmingly young ages and it's amazing how easy it is to "plop"  your kid in front of the television set to keep them busy.  Teaching our children to value themselves, their peers, their families, and their overall health and well-being will benefit them beyond measure.

Let's start a new trend!  Start limiting screen time and start upping the activity time as a family. This can be as simple as going for a walk after dinner, have a friendly game of four-square at the local elementary school (this is one of our favorites), or have a family game night.  Get everyone to disconnect with their screens for awhile and focus on each other. Trust me, these kids are growing up SO fast.  Enjoy these moments while you have them.