We Speak Playground

Childhood obesity has hit an all-time high. The CDC reports that almost one out of every five school-aged children suffers from obesity. Obesity carries with it a plethora of negative consequences for kids. These include problems with self-esteem, health issues, reluctance to socialize, and more. Of course, no parent wants to see a child suffer from being out of shape, let alone obese. Even so-called normal-weight children often don’t get enough exercise. With the abundance of passive playthings like computers, tablets and cell phones, children are even less likely to get the amount of exercise that they need to thrive and grow.

Now there are more reasons than ever to encourage your kids to play outside all year round. Did you know that outdoor play boosts your child’s allergy immunity? It’s true! Find out why being in the outdoors is such a great idea, particularly for children who suffer from allergies.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report which tells parents just how important play is for children. It seems that today’s kids are spending less and less time playing every day, much less than they did a decade ago. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights says play is so important in child development that it is a right of every child.

Playgrounds as we know them are a relatively recent phenomenon. Few existed before the 20th century. Many sources claim that the first planned playground in the United States appeared in Boston in 1886, a year after a recreational "sand garden" was created in Germany. The rise of playgrounds coincided with the expansion of industrialization and the middle class, as well as the expansion of urban areas.

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system tend to be seen as afflictions of middle-aged and older people, but they can begin to develop in adolescence and even childhood.

Genetics sometimes play a part, but unhealthy lifestyles are overwhelmingly the most important cause of poor heart health.

So it’s vital that parents, educators and kids understand the crucial importance of healthy diet and exercise in preventing problems in later life.

We talk a lot about the importance of playing on the playground for children. Playing on the playground plays a vital role in the development of a child, it provides them with a healthy dose of vitamin C, it’s a great form of exercise, it helps them learn social skills and it’s just plain FUN. 

The holidays are upon us and that means colder weather and children out of school. For every excited kid, there’s an equally unexcited parent — not that we don’t love our kids, but it’s hard to keep them entertained indoors throughout the entire winter. So what’s a quick fix before cabin fever sets in? Don’t keep them indoors — let them play outside in the cold weather!

Anyone who’s been around a kid knows that most of them are naturally full of energy and always moving, so physical activity is not usually a concern with younger kids. However, as kids get older, it can become more and more challenging to keep up the level of physical activity needed daily. The burden of school, lack of confidence in sports, lack of a fitness role model and technology can all prevent older kids from getting the physical activity they need.

When you look back on your childhood memories, what comes to mind? I’m sure there are memories with your parents and memories from school that come to the front of your mind, but what do you remember after that?

May Recreation is honored to have been part of the installation of the first smart playground in Harris County, Burroughs Park. Located in Tomball, Burroughs Park is one of only 200 smart playgrounds in all of North America.