Are you being the best parent that you can be?

Back when I was a kid, life was really simple. I went to school, learned what I had to and had fun the rest of the time. There was no TV, no cell phones, no hanging out at shopping malls and none of the other distractions that are available to kids today. I played soccer day in and day out and loved every moment of it. I remember dreaming about playing for Leeds United. (Leeds who? You might say. Well, if they had recruited me, they might be in the premier division today )

Jokes aside, life was so simple those days.

Today, kids have access to all sorts of technology, which simply motivates them to grow up too quickly and to become lazy. The technology exposes our kids to dangers that did not exist during my era as a child. Child experts are now touting that restricting children from play time that is unrestricted is harmful to their physical and mental well being.

I know that it is a little more difficult to manage this with kids today, but you simply have to find the time to do so.

A psychology professor has linked an increase in suicide in children, teenagers and adults due to this lack of play time

Children need to play outside with other children. This helps them to socialize and learn life skills, which cannot be learned sitting behind a computer.

An even bigger reason to allow your kid to play outside is to reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Additionally, the foods we feed our children to lack in essential nutrients. (Is your child nutritionally deficient?)

Childhood obesity is on the incline and reaching epidemic proportions

Take your child to the park or to the beach if you live by the seaside. Collaborate with friends and family members by looking after each other’s children. Adults should learn to use technology to their advantage to create more free time for themselves (and their families).

Taking some time out to enjoy the sunlight on the weekend will promote a sense of well being in your children and recharge all of you for the week ahead. More importantly, you will have the peace of mind because you are raising  well adjusted children who will grow up to be productive members of society.

Changing the way you look at family time and ensuring your children eat a healthy breakfast will go a long way to keeping them healthy to enjoy a long and fruitful life.