Let’s Go And Play Out, Kids.
Remember Playing Out?
If this phrase makes you feel nostalgic, then shame on you. Reluctant as I am to criticise anybody, even you: shame on you.
Playing out is important. Failing to play out is one of the main reasons that the current generation is the fattest and most unhealthy one yet. It’s also the reason that the generation we’re bringing up now – our own kids – will be even fatter and more unhealthy than our own.
Getting outdoors and playing is a simple, fun and largely unseen way to:
- burn calories
- get further away from the fridge
- have loads of fun
- make friends
- become fitter
- avoid obesity
- reduce the likelihood of shedloads of diseases in later life
Do you need any more convincing?
In my opinion, we adults often go out and ride out bikes to get ourselves fit. I’ve been quite vocal in the past that I prefer “playing out on bikes” to exercising any day of the week. That’s why I prefer a Mountain Bike, but that’s just me. Whatever you ride a bike, stop to think about the kids and please, please check out the links below.
So, What Do You Do?
Please add your support by contacting your MP. You don’t even have to know who he/she is, Sustrans have done all the work for you. Just fill in the quick form by hitting this link.
More information about the Free Range Kids campaign can be found here, including some great ideas to get kids outdoors.
If you’re not in mainland UK, and I know a lot of you aren’t, do something in your own area. If you have an organisation doing similar things where you are, post a link in the comments below and lobby someone who can do something for your next generation.
Tell ’em Phill sent you. 🙂
