One of the problems these days is that the kids want to watch too much television (including gaming and computer games.) As a parent you have the power to select activities for your child(ren.) Too often, parents opt to let them vegetate in front of the tv/computer/xbox etc. instead of doing things with them. A park playground offers opportunities to swing, climb, toss a ball, etc. Find a beach at the ocean/lake/river nearby. There the family can take a walk, fly a kite, have a picnic, go fishing, hike, mountain bike and so forth.
Be a proactive parent and plan activities that the family can do together. And create 'traditions' that the kids can look forward to. For example, make a big deal of Halloween, or eat spaghetti every Sunday night, or take a walk every morning (easier in Summer?) or after dinner.
By doing things together you can reduce the amount of time kids can sit in front of the tv. And THEN provide them with down time where they can do whatever alone or with friends/siblings. Then tv, gaming etc is ok.
And what about books? Doesn't anyone read to their children anymore? Read a little together everyday, and you may see your little one turn off the tv unpromted and open a book one day.
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One of the problems these days is that the kids want to watch too much television (including gaming and computer games.) As a parent you have the power to select activities for your child(ren.) Too often, parents opt to let them vegetate in front of the tv/computer/xbox etc. instead of doing things with them. A park playground offers opportunities to swing, climb, toss a ball, etc. Find a beach at the ocean/lake/river nearby. There the family can take a walk, fly a kite, have a picnic, go fishing, hike, mountain bike and so forth. Be a proactive parent and plan activities that the family can do together. And create 'traditions' that the kids can look forward to. For example, make a big deal of Halloween, or eat spaghetti every Sunday night, or take a walk every morning (easier in Summer?) or after dinner. By doing things together you can reduce the amount of time kids can sit in front of the tv. And THEN provide them with down time where they can do whatever alone or with friends/siblings. Then tv, gaming etc is ok. And what about books? Doesn't anyone read to their children anymore? Read a little together everyday, and you may see your little one turn off the tv unpromted and open a book one day.