Also recently, I was on a podcast talking to a friend of mine, and we were talking about "kids these days..." and more specifically, their health. He had recently attended a convention, where a researcher shared the following:
- Pediatric obesity is steadily rising.
- Depression among 12+ year olds has doubled in the last 10 years
- Screen Time is as high as 8 hours per day.
- Loneliness among children is increasing.
- 80% of kids are insufficiently active.
But there was also some good news:
- 80% of kids say nature makes them happier.
- Kids are more likely to spend time outdoors if their family does.
So, let's work on this. As the days start to get warmer, and longer, let's get outside more, and bring your kids with you! I understand that it sounds simple and easy, but it isn't. We are creatures of habit, but the Spring is a great time for some new habits. Sometimes the toughest part of a new habit is just doing it and trying it the first time. The First Step is often the most important.
Even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes, and there's not structure to the activity, it is still beneficial to simply get outside. Get fresh air in your lungs and sunshine on your face.
It's alarming, frankly, to think about how many kids I see who look a bit pale, have slumped shoulders, and seemed permanently attached to a screen. But it's often not their fault. It's being modeled for them. Let's change that. Change yourself, and show that example to your kids, and let's get healthier by taking that one little first step.
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