Since the advent of computer and related technologies, our children seldom enjoy what we would like to call 'a day out. Why are their less playgrounds and more digital games? Do you watch your child sprawled in front of the TV for hours? Is the tablet really helping your child learn something apart from the gazillion new ways to kill a virtual monster? The escalating trend of digital recreation is a troublesome thing, and we need to find ways to get our playgrounds back before we lose our kids to the digital ogre forever.
Where are the Playgrounds?
Did you know that nearly 32% of the schools lack age-appropriate outdoor playground equipment? According to a research, most government schools lack functional playgrounds with age-suitable school playground equipment. Generally, the schools lack suitable play infrastructure that is a crucial element in the overall physical and cognitive development of children.
According to Margaret Hodge, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, "the department of education is unaware of the fact that the budget set for school playgrounds is not enough." Moore the scholastic pressure rises due to extreme competition, more the playgrounds and the play areas shrink in the schools; many schools are converting their play spaces into classrooms in order to fulfill the rising space needs.
Who's the culprit?
It is easy to put the blame on the government, but what about us? Are we contributing positively towards our children's development by allowing healthy amount of active play every day? When was the last time you visited your nearest playground with your children? Many parents complain that "our playgrounds are not clean enough; we cannot simply let our children play in filth." How about grabbing a broom and doing some work yourself. Why do we always have to wait for the municipal service to respond to our complaints?
So, before you grab the phone again to report another complaint about the accumulated muck in the playground, do something by yourself.
What can we do?
"I cannot build a playground, what am I supposed to do about this?" Quite wailing about the things that you cannot do and start thinking about the things that you can. If you think that there are not enough playgrounds in your area, use your backyard to create a structured and unstructured play area. A small commercial playground equipment can easily fit in your tiny backyard, so do not worry if you do not own a big house with a giant backyard.
Another important thing that you should do is to contact your child's school authorities and inquire about the play activities during the school. Make sure that your child is enrolled in a school that provides all the facilities that contribute significantly towards your child's both mental and physical development. In addition, make sure that your child has ample time for active play at home; the recess time allowed in schools is usually not enough.