Worried about my childs activity levels

[Anderrida]

I was trawling through social media and saw a stat that 20% of Year 6 kids are obese and life expectancy has stalled.

My little boys is less interested in sport than I'd like him to be, prefers TV and games and I don't think he enjoys PE at school.

Spotted a campaign which is calling on government to make sure children can be active to help improve health, immediately signed it as I'm seriously worried about this childhood obesity issue.

It's here if you want to support it - www.change.org/p/uk-government-inactivity-is-killing-our-children-give-every-child-the-fundamental-righttobeactive-ca51e9b7-2d2c-4e5e-a80d-fa99b99e889c

Rather than expecting the government to be responsible for your child's activity levels what are you doing as a parent?

It's your decision on how much TV or computer time is allowed.

PE is not the only opportunity to be active, there are plenty of chances outside of school and it doesn't have to be expensive.

Just because you sign a petition asking for the government to be active in this area doesn't mean you are not also doing something as a parent to improve your child's activity levels.

Surely it's a team effort? Its very important that parents encourage a healthy lifestyle and teach their DC good habits. Equally, its important that childrens play areas, school playing fields, safe bicycle lanes, PE in school, pollution levels etc are all afforded government attention.

Ummmm, what are you doing for your son to be more active? This isn't about government incentives or someone else making your child active.

Go for a walk, walk to the park and to and from school.
Do some activities, can he swim? If not that's a great one to start with!
One of my boys does gymnastics and ballet, ok so not the most traditional boys activity, but he wanted to and enjoys it.
Does he have a scooter, skateboard, bike? If so take him out on them tomorrow.

All of mine love tv, computers, games etc ... but we limit that time and we keep them active.

Far too wooly. "Establishing a new law requiring councils to provide all children with the opportunity to be active.." How exactly? How are councils currently stopping children being active? Is this something all councils can change for all children?

I have a ds and have seen the same data on obesity.
To help my ds, i take him to a swimming lesson on Saturday and a 1hr karate lesson on Sunday. He has PE on Wednesday & Friday. During the holidays we cycle and walk a lot. I home-cook food, make sure he eats plenty of fish, fruit & veg, and as little sugar as possible.

The govt is already keen to help so I’m not sure how signing a petition will help

Again I agree parental incolement is really important but if you are a child growing up in a deprived inner city estate, your single parent works long hours on low wages and doesn't have money or time for extra-curricular activities, then the council maintained play area or skate park or whatever around the corner might be your only chance to get some fresh air and exercise.

Parental involvement

Well yes it's up to me, I've tried encouraging him to join a local club, make new friends and choose his sport he feels inadequate. I don't want to push him, what's your advice?

Push him.

The local park has been closed for a new housing development that that restricts access his him and his friends to kick a ball about which worries me, don't want him playing in the streets as dangerous.

I was pushed at his age and ended up hating PE which made it hard for me to join clubs and enjoy physical activity, I'm just thinking that the current system doesn't work and we need Government to do more

We walked to school and go for walks at the weekend but finding green space isn't easy in London

I totally agree and there aren't any places within walking distance for children to play safely. It's up to the Government to make sure that every child has access to a safe place to enjoy sports and recreation, it can't hurt to sign a petition asking for this

Let him try things, encourage him to try things. My son is very active and none of it involves the park.

So you don't want to push him but you want someone else to?

The fact you live in London must mean there are a million options of things he could do.

The fact you state you don't like physical activity strikes me as an issue, I would say you both need to make changes.

Is your son obese or are you just worrying he will be? What about yourself? Just because you said you didn't like physical exercise.

I am just wondering what magic wand you want the government to wave? What exactly could they do to help? Is there something you have in mind?

To answer your question of you don't want to push him so what do you do? You push him.

The mind boggles! How on earth can the government really help?! And p.e at school will always be limited anyway.

Get him out and about moving! If you live in London there is SO much to do and loads of green space and parks.

Given half a chance, d's would stay on watching tv all day. He is predisposed to being overweight. We have to be careful. So we insist he goes swimming and does karate, soccer and other physical activities. We walk to and from school, briskly! We take him to fun active places like large softplay or trampoline parks. And he is about to start rugby. Government can help with facilities and funding but ultimately as parents it's our responsibility to use what facilities exist.

London has more green spaces than most cities. Plus just go for a walk. Long walks. Bike rides. Switch off the TV and computer and don’t switch it on unless necessary.