I saw an interesting post on Facebook from a relative. Her children had been given iPads at school… to be brought home. They were to use them for homework assignments. The parents had to pay a fee in case the child lost or damaged the computer. The parents also weren’t given a choice.
You would think that we have enough problems getting our children active after classtime is over without demanding the use of a piece of equipment. You know it’s not going to be used by one teacher. All of them will do it. All of my teachers did it back in the old days when we had to go to the library.
Talk to the teachers: This is not the time to be a helicopter parent, but it is something that should be discussed between the parents and the teachers. There are many issues that need to be addressed including the problem of too much homework. Even with the internet writing six papers would be hard for any child and depending on the age and type of class it is a possibility.
Limits: These teaching devices are not going to just be used for homework. The world is available and once they are done with the classroom assignments the internet beckons. This is where we have to step in and get our children up and moving. Set a limit as to how long they can play so they have time to be active.
Example: We need to lead by example. After going over the program with the teachers and setting limits for our children we need to set limits for ourselves and get active. Spend a half an hour playing catch (girls like it, too). Go for a family walk. Let the kids see that this is how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Once we have the internet in our lives it’s very easy to get into bad habits. Not being active is one of them.
Source by Mary Bodel
