That's Fit

For kids' sakes, parents need to answer the nationwide Help Wanted ad for Gaming Gatekeepers -- now. This is especially relevant for our family at the moment, based on watching my seven-year-old's new, disturbing behavior after receiving his very first, high-tech video game a month ago. If he could, he'd play it for hours on end, forsaking active indoor and outside imaginary play with neighborhood friends. He's not alone, new research reveals video games are ubiquitous these days -- 99 percent of boys and 94 percent of girls aged 12 to 17 are gamers. A comparison of studies suggests an American child is about three times more likely to play a video game than ride a bike.

So my husband and I have answered the call, accepting Gaming Gatekeeper positions in the interest of our son's (and daughter's) health. We have seriously limited total screen time in front of both that Star Wars PC-compatible video game and the TV -- no more than two hours per day, usually less. We're manning the gamer gate to keep their bodies and minds within a three-dimensional, active world versus sitting numbly for hours interacting with a flat screen. Each day we try not to call in sick, take a personal day or sleep on the job. Yes, healthier eating habits will chip away at our nation's childhood obesity problem, but I think the lack of physical activity nowadays compared to the Pre-Home Video Game Era is a major factor in rising obesity.

Kids are not churning their legs enough on bicycles, running the backyards or zipping up and down stairs pretending to climb mountains. Instead, they're all thumbs. It's time adults limit screen time and get kids moving again. Here are a few good ideas to get you started. Stay tuned -- I'll soon share creative ways to hurdle even more barriers to outdoor play.