What message are we sending our kids?

Great comment...decided to answer it for everyone...

I have a question, what message is being sent to kids when parents take them to swim lessons, T-Ball, Basketball etc, then stand on the side lines eating hot dogs and drinking soda?

Or when you have a parent (like many in Scottsdale) who use these events for babysitting instead of positive aspects?

Are we giving kids messages that you only have to exercise this 1, 2, 3 times a week for 30~45 mins? (Which is good.) Or are we, as adults, implying to them that exercises is over rated?

Heh, or am I making too big a deal out of it?


1) The message being sent is, "This is your time." Which means it can't be 'My time'. Most parents fall into the trap of wanting to do what's best for their kids and in doing that give up their own schedules, time and energy.

The two problems I have with that line of thinking is just because your child is active doesn't mean you're not. And why are the parents on the sidelines eating hot dogs? Did needing a meal surprise them? It's like dinner sneaked up on them or something. I KNOW people don't always have time...but I just know people who actually do have time and still act like there isn't enough time in the day.

2) How are people using activities as baby-sitting? It's one thing to walk around the field/ballpark while your child is at practice for yourself, but it clearly another to LEAVE the facility.

3) Well the old cliche "Lead By Example" comes to mind...but are we 'implying to them that exercises is over rated'? I think there are millions of people who believe this. It's a way to cope with their schedules, lack of activity and justification for their lifestyle.

Thanks for the comment Crothos!

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