This is Ta
ke A Child Outside Week. Can you believe that we actually have a holiday expressly for taking a child outside? What does it say about our society that we need to focus on making sure that children are going outside? Don't children naturally play outside? Apparently not anymore. That is why nationally childhood obesity is on the rise.
Luckily Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County are areas with a wide selection of outdoor activities many of which are aimed at children and families. For instance there are many places available for hiking such as the nearby Skyline Drive. Or you can walk along the Rivanna Trail.
If water sports appeal to your child, in the summer there are many swimming pools in the area, both public and private. Also take advantage of area rivers for canoeing, kayaking or fishing.
Team sports abound such as soccer, and lacrosse leagues. The city of Charlottesville has a skate park. Or sign up for riding lessons at one of the area stables. In the winter, Charlottesville is an easy drive to several ski areas.
Don't forget the many area parks or the Ivy Creek Natural area. Most important of all every child needs time to go outside, just pretend, and play with their friends.
Encourage you child to take advantage of the many outdoor activities that are available in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Lets keep from being a nation of couch potatoes. Take a child outside this week.
Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
434 960-0161
Charlottesville Homes
Charlottesville Horse Farms
Hi Pam, Crazy it is. I remember being outside from morning until the street lights came on then we'd have to be in. We were sunwashed and tan, and it was great. Played baseball, rode bikes, scooters, roller skated, never sat still for very long.
Jacquie - Kids these days either sit inside at the computer or tv all day or are just so overscheduled that they don't get a chance to just be kids and play.
Pam - I just talked to a client about this a few days ago. She said her son goes home after school and plays Playstation all afternoon. For half of my youth I didn't even have TV broadcast......my afternoons were spent riding bikes, climbing trees, playing random games, etc. It's crazy how less active so many are these days.
Tchaka - It is a shame how many overweight children there are in our country. Of course I can't understand how parents can let their children have unlimited time in front of the tv.
Pam: And thanks to the inventors of HEELIES, when these little ones ARE outside, they won't have to walk (God forbid). They can kick back on their heel and glide. Who needs exercise?
Great idea! I try to take my kids as many times outside to play. As Jacquie mentioned we use to be out from morning to evening...
Ritu - Its hard for me to imagine prents letting their children sit inside all the time in front of the tv or computer, but apparently it happens.
Take A Child Outside Week -What's Wrong With This?
Crazy that you have to designate a week! We put up a big ol' jungle gym in the yard, didn't buy a playstation til the kids were 16 - and they had to read BOOKS! Awful!lol!
See what happened, Debbie? Your kid ended up at Tech! >:-)
Wahoowa.
Debbie - What cruel parents we were. My kids were only allowed 2 hours of tv and we had dogs and ponies, read every night. One of my grown daughters still carries a book with her ever where she goes.
Tchaka - I'm looking for a new basketball team to root for this year. Might have to temporarily disown the wahoos.
Yeah, it's been rough......very rough. Alas, I have to stick with the team through the bad times as I am a former athlete. I sure hope there's a turn-around soon. :-(