Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Fathers Day

Fathers Day is an opportunity to express our gratitude to those men in our lives who provided for us when we were growing up.  We can also thank the men we know now who are important in the lives of children - fathers, grandfathers, uncles, friends, coaches, teachers. Boys and girls need positive male role models.

We thank them for their commitment to caring and their dedication to providing emotional and physical support.  Being a positive role model to a child is one of the most important things anyone can do.
   
Thank you for -
    Tossing the ball back and forth
    Being strong arms that give hugs
    Attending school events
    Reading all four books at bedtime
    Applying bandaids on an “bo-bo”
    Cheering from the sidelines at a sports event
    Getting up to watch a midnight meteor shower

Fathers Day is a special day of remembrance and appreciation.  We don’t have to wait for this special day.  Say thank you to a father today.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Virtual games vs real games

Summer vacation from school is here for many. What are your plans?

Children need free time to physically move their bodies and just play. Many kids today are pretty tightly scheduled. And too many children aren't being encouraged to play actively, getting outside - climbing, running, jumping, gardening, and soaking up the sun. Way too many children today are sitting in front of televisions and computer screens. There can be value in TV programming and educational computer games. But sadly most children are not engaging in these learning media activities. And too many American children are newly joining the rolls of the obese, with all of the health problems associated with this disorder.

This summer, let's make greater efforts to give children healthy choices in their activities. We also need to be good role models. We need to get out and walk. We too need to practice pushing away from our computers (funny to write this as I sit at mine!)and use physically activity to deal with the illnesses and stresses that we are experiencing in growing numbers. Our bodies were meant to move. Shall we?