| MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Katy C. Merrell, MEd. |
| April/May 2010 What "Healthy" Really Means for a Child |
As the school year comes to a close I’d like to share
some thoughts on raising a HEALTHY child. By that I
mean one who is healthy not just physically, but also
emotionally and socially. There have been many
frightening news stories lately about everything from
the alarming rise in childhood obesity to the suicide of
a child who was literally bullied to death.
There would seem to be no connection between these
two things and yet I would argue just that. Making
healthy choices for and with our children, from what
they eat, to the amount of physical activity they get, to
the choices for free play vs. structured classes and
sports, to limiting their “screen time” in front of the
television, computer, and electronic games, even to
the kind of toys, food, and clothes we buy for them
can, when taken together, have a huge impact on their
physical, emotional, and social well being.
Recently I had the distinct opportunity to get to hear
Dr. David Elkind, world renowned, Professor Emeritus
of Child Studies at Tufts. He spoke with great
concern about the disappearance of childhood and it’s
movement indoors. His deep concern was about
some thoughts on raising a HEALTHY child. By that I
mean one who is healthy not just physically, but also
emotionally and socially. There have been many
frightening news stories lately about everything from
the alarming rise in childhood obesity to the suicide of
a child who was literally bullied to death.
There would seem to be no connection between these
two things and yet I would argue just that. Making
healthy choices for and with our children, from what
they eat, to the amount of physical activity they get, to
the choices for free play vs. structured classes and
sports, to limiting their “screen time” in front of the
television, computer, and electronic games, even to
the kind of toys, food, and clothes we buy for them
can, when taken together, have a huge impact on their
physical, emotional, and social well being.
Recently I had the distinct opportunity to get to hear
Dr. David Elkind, world renowned, Professor Emeritus
of Child Studies at Tufts. He spoke with great
concern about the disappearance of childhood and it’s
movement indoors. His deep concern was about
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| “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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NORFOLK CHILDREN'S SCHOOL, 23 Union St., Norfolk, MA 02056 508-528-1970
Copyright 2010 Norfolk Children's School
Website Design by Karma Communications
Website Design by Karma Communications
the lack of free play and the connection between this and the fabric of childhood
socialization. He suggested that in generations past, children from place to place all
around the country shared similar games, songs, chants, etc. Together they developed a
common thread between them, a sort of feeling that they all belonged to the same group.
Without the opportunity for extended periods of free play on a regular basis, children
lose this sense of belonging and common “language”, and also the skills needed to
problem solve amongst themselves. It socialized them in a way that taught them how to
cooperate, make and break their own rules, and eventually create mutual rules that lead
to mutual respect. It wasn’t always pretty or easy, but they truly learned it by doing it
themselves. It is critically important that children have UNSTRUCTURED time, i.e.
without adults deciding all the rules and managing the play, for children to develop these
critical skills in their own way and in their own time. Without them, and a sense of
belonging and mutual trust, it is much easier to ostracize and bully peers.
Fast forward to today when most children are overscheduled in adult run activities,
spend very little time playing outside, spend far too much time in front of all kinds of
screens, and have limited opportunities to use their imagination without some large toy
company telling them this is the toy they should have and this is how they should play with
it. It is probably no secret to you that parenting involves a great deal of what I would
call “gate keeping”. When we stop to think that childhood is a billion dollar industry
(actually many billions of dollars) it is an almost constant task to defend our children
against all the commercial interests who want our money and have NO interest in the well
being of our children. Many of the toys, clothes, games, movies, etc. that are marketed
to kids are not good for them, and in fact many are quite harmful. In most other
countries it is illegal to advertise during children’s television programming. Somehow we
need to find the courage as parents to ask every day with every new choice, be it
carefully marketed junk food, a video game or movie that is far too violent or meant for
a much more mature audience, a shirt for a 4 year old that is more appropriate for a
teenager, or one more class (sports activity…etc.), .IS THIS REALLY GOOD FOR MY
CHILD ??? We are surrounded by misinformation, but there are good choices out there
and only you can figure out what is best for your child. The bottom line is, that if we are
going to turn the tide on things like childhood obesity, and bullying, a walk in the woods,
some time at the playground, and many other “non commercial” games and activities
where children can use their minds and their bodies in natural, creative, and healthy ways
are the choices we all need to making more regularly for our children. Thank you for
letting me share my thoughts with you this year and I wish you all lots of time to indulge
in fresh air and free play this summer- and I don’t just mean the children.
Respectfully and playfully, Katy C. Merrell MEd.
socialization. He suggested that in generations past, children from place to place all
around the country shared similar games, songs, chants, etc. Together they developed a
common thread between them, a sort of feeling that they all belonged to the same group.
Without the opportunity for extended periods of free play on a regular basis, children
lose this sense of belonging and common “language”, and also the skills needed to
problem solve amongst themselves. It socialized them in a way that taught them how to
cooperate, make and break their own rules, and eventually create mutual rules that lead
to mutual respect. It wasn’t always pretty or easy, but they truly learned it by doing it
themselves. It is critically important that children have UNSTRUCTURED time, i.e.
without adults deciding all the rules and managing the play, for children to develop these
critical skills in their own way and in their own time. Without them, and a sense of
belonging and mutual trust, it is much easier to ostracize and bully peers.
Fast forward to today when most children are overscheduled in adult run activities,
spend very little time playing outside, spend far too much time in front of all kinds of
screens, and have limited opportunities to use their imagination without some large toy
company telling them this is the toy they should have and this is how they should play with
it. It is probably no secret to you that parenting involves a great deal of what I would
call “gate keeping”. When we stop to think that childhood is a billion dollar industry
(actually many billions of dollars) it is an almost constant task to defend our children
against all the commercial interests who want our money and have NO interest in the well
being of our children. Many of the toys, clothes, games, movies, etc. that are marketed
to kids are not good for them, and in fact many are quite harmful. In most other
countries it is illegal to advertise during children’s television programming. Somehow we
need to find the courage as parents to ask every day with every new choice, be it
carefully marketed junk food, a video game or movie that is far too violent or meant for
a much more mature audience, a shirt for a 4 year old that is more appropriate for a
teenager, or one more class (sports activity…etc.), .IS THIS REALLY GOOD FOR MY
CHILD ??? We are surrounded by misinformation, but there are good choices out there
and only you can figure out what is best for your child. The bottom line is, that if we are
going to turn the tide on things like childhood obesity, and bullying, a walk in the woods,
some time at the playground, and many other “non commercial” games and activities
where children can use their minds and their bodies in natural, creative, and healthy ways
are the choices we all need to making more regularly for our children. Thank you for
letting me share my thoughts with you this year and I wish you all lots of time to indulge
in fresh air and free play this summer- and I don’t just mean the children.
Respectfully and playfully, Katy C. Merrell MEd.