Kids

While watching my grandchildren that range in age from 2-12, I was thinking of how sedentary their lifestyle is. Each of them sitting with their faces staring at an electronic device, and yes that includes the 2 year old. I don't even know the correct names for all of their techie toys, nor do I know how to operate most of them. I have always been active and my children have been active and now I feel like I have not so active grandchildren... not at my house! Outside we go with a basketball, football and sidewalk chalk. The football and basketball was a no brainer for them, but hopscotch they seemed to have trouble with... didn't understand why you couldn't step on certain squares, how to roll the rock and what the point of the game is. Oh how I loved hopscotch, hula hoop and jacks when I was a kid. Anyway, as they were tossing the football the mailman walked up with a smile on his face and said, "What, kids playing outside, what's up with that?" I guess playing outdoors has become archaic in most cities, and I do understand the safety part of it, but I feel like we're raising sedentary kids. I know that there's extracurricular activities that they participate in, but there's something wonderful about being outdoors, using your imagination and connecting with the earth. My tree has become one of their favorite outdoor activities... it's a race to the top!

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."
John Muir


Happy Climbing!