Way back in the Dark Ages (by that, I mean, before electricity) children worked out on the farms with their fathers. They hoed and weeded, milked cows, carried hay bales, and got scads of exercise. They ate fresh produce, meat and eggs, nothing came out of a box, and they were trim. When television and computers came along, advertisers spent quite a bit of money calling attention to themselves until every home had at least one television and then at least one computer. Children began spending more and more time inside with their noses glued to screens, and they began eating food that came out of boxes. Then a childhood obesity epidemic swept the nation, and now we’re being encouraged to get our children moving. I find it ironic that several children’s television shows have taken up this mission, so our kids can watch TV and learn to be active at the same time.
The Wiggles – Our four colorful friends spend nearly every episode marching, dancing and wiggling in the hopes that their young viewers will join them.
The DoodleBops – Moe, Rooney and DeeDee Doodle fill every episode with fun, music, and frequent storylines about the importance of staying active.
The Backyardigans – With original songs and cleverly choreographed dance routines, these five friends will get you dancing around your house.
Perhaps it is the cynic in me, but I can’t help but wonder: rather than showing our children television shows about being active, why not turn the television off and send them outside to play or do yard work? What about that fresh produce and food that didn’t come from a box? I’m all for technology; believe me, I adore my computer, dishwasher, washing machine, and telephone. But let’s make sure to keep a balance between activity and laziness, and make sure that we’re keeping our bodies and brains fit as well as our remote control finger.