What Being A Young Couch Potato Can Mean To A Kids Health
Tons of kids these days seem to spend all day laying in front of the TV and playing away at their video games
. It makes you wonder how bad it is that they are missing so many things. You can say that certain television programs are there to educate and there are games that teach too. They can't be a true replacement though for using your imagination to play or losing out on the exercise that comes from playing outside with friends.
Your kids doctor will tell you that children will spend too much time sitting in front of a TV if left to their own devices. There are a great many things that are better for them than doing that, even if they are learning. Many doctors and other health professionals think that the hours of sitting instead of active play are what is leading this country into the obesity epidemic. It doesn't explain why so many kids that don't watch much TV are as likely to be obese.
There are several affects that television watching does have on young children such as lack of attention as well as causing those children who fall asleep with the television on to keep their eyes partially open when they sleep which may cause them sleep issues down the road. And while television can be a useful tool when used properly it has become more the equivalent of a babysitter for children so that their parents can get more done.
If you are wondering that maybe your child is suffering from issues now because of too much TV, then talk to your pediatrician. They will definitely have opinions and suggestions as to whether or not they think your child needs more activity and what they have in mind that would be good for them to do. Be sure to get all of the tests that the doctor asks for because they can find things out from the child's body fluids that will tell a lot.
Healthy life habits begin early on and if you want to help your children become healthy adults then the best thing that you can do is provide them with well balanced meals, plenty of activity, adequate rest, as well as to teach them healthy habits early on. Vegetating in front of the television can sometimes be fun but if your child is spending most of their time on television and video games it may be time to rethink your parenting strategies and find something that works a little better for their lives.