Outdoor Play versus Electronics

Fu Zaila · Post by **Fu Zaila** » 19 Jul 2018, 02:34

bb587 wrote: ↑02 Jul 2018, 07:49 My niece likes playing with electronics, but she'll drop everything if there's a chance to play outside. Electronics are a part of their future. I think all interests should be encouraged and nurtured. If a child likes watching movies discuss the movies afterwards, act them out, or have them write/tell their own version.

That's a very interesting idea! I wouldn't totally suggest having kids watch movies right from younger age. But if it makes them give a thought to the various aspects of life, then probably it's just for the best. But frankly, it is difficult to actually get the kids to ponder over stuff rather than bask in enjoyment

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Northernbird84 · Post by **Northernbird84** » 19 Jul 2018, 04:59

Sadly I've seen it where the child has asked to play outside and the parents have said no and told them to play on their ipad. I can only assume it is because they didn't want to go outside and watch their child while they played outside. It's so sad, my husband is a Scout Leader so we both know the benefits of outdoor activities.

BookNerd_101 · Post by **BookNerd_101** » 19 Jul 2018, 05:33

It is commendable of the author to imagine a scenario where there is hardly any mention of electronics to keep the kid busy. But alas, in reality these days, many children have become addicted to gadgets to while away their time. This is mainly due to the rise in emotional detachment of the parents in the kid's lives. People are too busy in their own worlds and since electronic gadgets provide a quick distraction, they are seen as a goto source for utilizing time. I do not see this one book drastically changing the current scenario, but yes, it could be one step in this direction.

Facennagoss · Post by **Facennagoss** » 19 Jul 2018, 07:04

As an ex teacher, I was concerned about the number of hours my students spent attached to their screens but this allowed me a way in to encourage them to read. What had seemed like a daunting task turned out to be no work on my part at all. The students found books and material linked to the games they were playing - however loosely- and shared these with each other. They may not have been outside but they were developing themselves away from the screens. It didn’t work for every child but for some, gaming was an interest that led to more.

joycechitwa · Post by **joycechitwa** » 19 Jul 2018, 07:59

Outdoor play supports muscle development of the children, coordination, brain stimulation, and a host of other physical health benefits besides just entertainment and social integration. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural ambiance is important for them. My take would be outdoor sports any time. It's good that Toni as a superhero actually incorporates outdoor activities in his routine.

kfwilson6 · Post by **kfwilson6** » 19 Jul 2018, 08:15

Christina Rose wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 02:29
liftedbooks wrote: ↑17 Jul 2018, 06:32 Kids do spend a lot of time on electronics, but with the time we are in it is almost as if it is a necessity. It is now up to parents to ensure there is a balance between indoor and outdoor activities.
I agree with this completely. Electronics are more of a necessity now than before, but we can still set limits.

I think there are going to be major impacts of constant use of technology that we don't even realize. One day I was wearing an outfit without pockets at work, so I stuck my cellphone in the waistband of my pants. One of my coworkers told me I would get cancer from putting it there. Which could or could not be true, but the lighting of screens is definitely hard on the eyes. I worry that the long-term exposure to electronics will have dire consequences, but since so much technology is relatively new, it could be another generation or two more before the side effects are discovered.

I think we need to heed the warnings we do have so far about the correlation between children's weight and health compared to how much time they spend watching tv and playing video games.

I definitely want my kids to know how to use a computer, beyond just the basics. At this point, it can make or break your career advancement opportunities.

At the age Toni is, kids aren't looking that far ahead, and they certainly aren't worried about the consequences of their choices. They just want instant gratification; they want to spend time doing the "fun" things. Parents need to do their best to make the healthy activities seem like they are the most fun and the healthiest foods to seem like they are the most tasty

kfwilson6 · Post by **kfwilson6** » 19 Jul 2018, 08:17

Northernbird84 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 04:59 Sadly I've seen it where the child has asked to play outside and the parents have said no and told them to play on their ipad. I can only assume it is because they didn't want to go outside and watch their child while they played outside. It's so sad, my husband is a Scout Leader so we both know the benefits of outdoor activities.

Wow, that is so sad that parents do that.

Awesome that your husband is a Scout Leader. I think Toni needs to be a boyscout

Northernbird84 · Post by **Northernbird84** » 19 Jul 2018, 09:14

kfwilson6 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 08:17
Northernbird84 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 04:59 Sadly I've seen it where the child has asked to play outside and the parents have said no and told them to play on their ipad. I can only assume it is because they didn't want to go outside and watch their child while they played outside. It's so sad, my husband is a Scout Leader so we both know the benefits of outdoor activities.
Wow, that is so sad that parents do that.

Awesome that your husband is a Scout Leader. I think Toni needs to be a boyscout

Scouting is amazing! All 12 of the men who walked on the moon were scouts! I wish I could have been in Scouts but girls weren't allowed in when I was the right age.

Abigail R · Post by **Abigail R** » 19 Jul 2018, 09:56

I think electronics are just an inevitable part of the future and that it will become a difficulty to get kids to play outside. But just as every other generation before has changed and adapted to new technologies, this one will too. And ultimately, whether they play outside everyday or not at all, I have hope that they will still turn out okay!

I do hope Toni the Superhero could show that diversity in activities is good. Read outside like Toni, or play a gameboy outside (do those still exist?), do something that allows you to get some fresh air!

Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 19 Jul 2018, 10:25

kfwilson6 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 08:15
Christina Rose wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 02:29
liftedbooks wrote: ↑17 Jul 2018, 06:32 Kids do spend a lot of time on electronics, but with the time we are in it is almost as if it is a necessity. It is now up to parents to ensure there is a balance between indoor and outdoor activities.
I agree with this completely. Electronics are more of a necessity now than before, but we can still set limits.
I think there are going to be major impacts of constant use of technology that we don't even realize. One day I was wearing an outfit without pockets at work, so I stuck my cellphone in the waistband of my pants. One of my coworkers told me I would get cancer from putting it there. Which could or could not be true, but the lighting of screens is definitely hard on the eyes. I worry that the long-term exposure to electronics will have dire consequences, but since so much technology is relatively new, it could be another generation or two more before the side effects are discovered.

I think we need to heed the warnings we do have so far about the correlation between children's weight and health compared to how much time they spend watching tv and playing video games.

I definitely want my kids to know how to use a computer, beyond just the basics. At this point, it can make or break your career advancement opportunities.

At the age Toni is, kids aren't looking that far ahead, and they certainly aren't worried about the consequences of their choices. They just want instant gratification; they want to spend time doing the "fun" things. Parents need to do their best to make the healthy activities seem like they are the most fun and the healthiest foods to seem like they are the most tasty

I agree that there could be unknown repercussions due to our constant uses of these devices. I’ve been told before that I should use Bluetooth rather than hold my phone to my ear for safety reasons. When I was pregnant, I always made sure my phone wasn’t close to my belly. It’s all still so new, that I feel being overly cautious is okay.

You’re right about the instant gratification concept. That is one theory as to why a child - or adult - with ADHD can play video games for hours, but cannot focus on other things. It’s the instant gratification. That’s also why smaller goals work better than long term goals for those of us with ADHD.

My kids use their fair share of electronic devices, but they have other interests as well. They run around, play fight, read real books, go outside, etc. I know we all keep saying it, but balance and moderation is key.

Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 19 Jul 2018, 10:33

Northernbird84 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 09:14
kfwilson6 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 08:17
Northernbird84 wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 04:59 Sadly I've seen it where the child has asked to play outside and the parents have said no and told them to play on their ipad. I can only assume it is because they didn't want to go outside and watch their child while they played outside. It's so sad, my husband is a Scout Leader so we both know the benefits of outdoor activities.
Wow, that is so sad that parents do that.

Awesome that your husband is a Scout Leader. I think Toni needs to be a boyscout
Scouting is amazing! All 12 of the men who walked on the moon were scouts! I wish I could have been in Scouts but girls weren't allowed in when I was the right age.

I agree that Scouting is amazing! My 7 year old is in Cub Scouts, and he loves it. I think summer camp wasn’t quite long enough for him.

I love that they’ve made the Lions Official, as it was just a pilot program when my son joined at 5. And, now girls are able to join as well.

Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 19 Jul 2018, 10:40

joycechitwa wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 07:59 Outdoor play supports muscle development of the children, coordination, brain stimulation, and a host of other physical health benefits besides just entertainment and social integration. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural ambiance is important for them. My take would be outdoor sports any time. It's good that Toni as a superhero actually incorporates outdoor activities in his routine.

You are so right about the benefits of fresh air and sunlight! I wonder if the rise in depression has anything to do with more people staying indoors on their devices? Sunlight combats depression, as does physical activity. I feel my best when I get outside often.

Anthony Martial Tata · Post by **Anthony Martial Tata** » 19 Jul 2018, 14:02

introduction of books to children at a tender age would do them a lot of good and nurture in them the culture of responsibility. Moreover, a reading generation is a creative generation.

Mindy Conahye · Post by **Mindy Conahye** » 19 Jul 2018, 18:06

Kids today are in the era of electronics. You cant go any where without seeing electronics. I think it is great that in the book, Toni's time isn't spent playing video games. My kiddo does love electronics, but we set boundaries. He loves to read and be outside playing with his friends. Electronics can be useful tools, but should never be used as babysitters. I like when books to emphasize video books. As an adult reader, I find a lot of novels reference electronics.

Post by **Mallory Porshnev** » 20 Jul 2018, 11:10

I definitely think children spend too much time on electronics. I am constantly amazed at how young children are when they first are handed a tablet and left to their own devices. It is sad that kids do not just play and use their imagination anymore. Reading should help, and hopefully reading this book will be of help especially.