All
TV and no outdoor play
make Jack an obese boy
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All TV and no outdoor play
makes Jack an obese boy
Around 80
per cent of grandchildren play outdoor games with their grandchildren, says
the Early Learning Centre in its latest survey. Grandparents will know that
this is a form of self-defence. Bored small children tend to cause havoc in
their grandparents’ normally orderly homes, and given the choice they will
shiver in playgrounds, pushing the kids on the swings.
Even so, over half of today’s parents say they
spent more time playing outdoors as children than their own children do, and
they are worried about the fact that one in ten pre-school children are
obese, with figures on the rise.
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While most parents strongly believe that outdoor
play and physical activities are very important to a child's development,
apparently this isn't translating into today's kids getting active outdoors.
Only 11 per cent of children spend up to two hours a day during the weekend
playing outside, says the survey.
The Early Learning Centre has obligingly created
a list of calorie-burning games and toys for outdoor activities, which of
course are available in their stores. This could be the moment for
grandparents to reach into their pockets…
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Cycling (Deluxe Trike £40) Kids love
cycling and it's a great way to enjoy exercise while taking in the scenery
of your local park together
-
Running (Egg and Spoon Race £10) A game
to be enjoyed amongst friends, showing kids that exercise can be fun too
-
Skipping (Traditional Skipping Rope £3)
A great calorie burner. Challenge your kids to see who can skip for the
longest, keeping them fit at the same time
-
Hoopla (Plastic Hoop £3) This
traditional game has transcended all trends and requires minimal
supervision
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Trampoline Bouncing (President
Trampoline £330) Fantastic fun for all the family. Encourage kids to try
different style jumps, so they're learning something new at the same time
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Dancing (Funky Dance Mat £15) Helps
nurture balance and co-ordination
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Tennis/ Raquet ball (Boom Bats £5/
Racket Zoomer £15) Great for 1 or 2 players. Start your own Wimbledon
competition in your back garden
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Football (Pop-Up Goal £15) One for all
the family. Host your very own Euro 2004 tournament in your own back
garden
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Hopscotch (Hopscotch Set £10) A great
game for when you need to keep your kids occupied when you're busy, this
timeless classic can be enjoyed with minimal supervision
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Jumping (Giant Animal Sacks £5) Great
fun for when the kids have their friends over and can race each other
around the garden
June 2004 |
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