Secure Your Mask
A reader writes about her concern regarding young children and their participation in sports and activities. She advocates activities that require endurance, can be enjoyed into adulthood, are easily accessible and prove to have lifelong health benefits.
Unfortunately, in her observations, this isn’t common practice or much of a priority for families today.
I understand this reader’s concern and believe that parents have the responsibility to instill a foundation of healthy values and to be the example for their children.
In my short career as a flight attendant with Delta, I remember reminding the parents of small children, during the emergency procedures, to place an oxygen mask securely around their own mouths before they were to do the same for their child.
These parental responsibilities can be compared to the duty we have to exemplify healthy living for our children. How can parents protect their young ones if they’re barely breathing?
When I was in the fitness business, I would frequently hear about the financial burden a monthly membership would cause a family with a tight budget. Ironically many of these parents were spending hundreds of dollars a month and countless hours on the road getting their children to and from extracurricular sports and activities.
Don’t misunderstand me. I do believe that children need to be exposed to different recreational pursuits. It is also important for children to find hobbies that will encourage intellectual and physical growth.
However, if you are spending hours on the road to get your middle schooler to a travel ball game because he or she is most certainly in the less than 1% elite minority that makes it to the big time, you are probably either disillusioned or are living vicariously through your child.
Either way, you are avoiding and postponing living a healthier and happier life AND denying your child the example.
In my opinion, some team sports don’t require enough physical training that children need. Instead consider encouraging them to try an endurance required sport like cross-country, tennis, biking or dance.
They may not ever get a blue ribbon or win a state trophy but I assure you they will feel like winners for many years to come. They will have the tools to stay fit and healthy for a lifetime and be able to pass on the tradition to future generations.
Questions and comments welcomed! suzannemcginnis@me.com