Just when the children were getting adequate exercise during the summer, the school district comes along and requires some learning. So what can you do to ensure your kids are moving enough throughout the school year?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Obesity affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States—triple the rate from just one generation ago.” To increase the amount of exercise the average child gets, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teens get at least one hour per day most days of the week. Riding their bikes or walking to school instead of taking the more convenient and faster carpool drop-off can make a big difference in daily activity. There are even organized ways to ensure your kid gets to school safely doing so.
Safety tips for parents:
If you are worried about letting your children walk or ride their bikes unchaperoned, you are not alone in your fears. Dr. Megan Loeb, a pediatrician with Leawood Pediatrics, says, “Ideally, a buddy system or a group is better.”
She also suggests parents practice walking with their children to the final destination several times before releasing them on their own. Explain the importance of staying on route.
“Map out safe places along the way—a neighbor's house or store,” suggests Loeb. “Practice role playing stranger safety. Kids need to know to NEVER respond to a stranger and what to do if a stranger approaches them or asks them to get into a car.”
Walking school bus:
There is an alternative for parents if they are concerned about their child’s traveling alone. A “walking school bus” comprises a group of children who walk to school along with one or more adults. It is best to start with a small group and then increase numbers if it’s successful and safe.
The program leader determines the interest in your neighborhood. Checking with other parents, school officials and law enforcement is also suggested at www.WalkingSchoolBus.org. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one adult for every six children. If children are age 10 or older, fewer adults may be needed. If children are ages 4-6, one adult per three children is recommended,” says National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Helping feet:
- If your child’s school is involved in the event, volunteer to help.
- Walk or ride with your child to school on the event day.
- Lead a "walking school bus" for the neighborhood kids.
- Enlist additional parents to assist in your walk.
There’s always the chance that while walking with your child you could learn something new about each other—or perhaps even bond. And what a terrible waste of time and energy that would be!
Walk to School Day:
In 2013, Oct. 9 is International Walk to School Day. There is an online pledge for parents and their children and resources for schools in the Kansas City area at www.WalkToSchoolKC.com.
Stacey Hatton is a former nurse, mom of two girls and co-author of I Just Want to Pee Alone, which can be found on her blog, www.NurseMommyLaughs.com or Amazon.