U.S. Parents Want Kids More Active During School Day: Poll

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This issue highlighted in this article is certainly something that needs attention, but the partial answer is right in front of us...quality, daily physical education taught by a highly qualified, tranined physical educator who has the knowledge and commitment to plan, implement and assess a standards-based program that is approrpiate for each developmental level. Not only would daily physical education help meet recommended Moderate to Vigorous physical activity minutes, it would also help children become effective, efficient movers, provide them with skills to make informed choices, and give them opportunities for joyful, yet purposeful play. The key is quality! There are wonderful resources for schools at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; resources that would inform schools how to implement, sustain, and assess a quality physical education program. Learning to move and moving to learn is a great mantra to practice in schools!

Kristi Mally, PhD of WI 7:27PM April 22, 2011

Were the parents in this survey also asked whether their children were getting enough history, geography, science, art, music, technology, nutrition, and economic literacy instruction? Schools can only do so much. Parents must take the lead on this.

David Colburn of KS 3:45PM April 22, 2011

It amazes me that parents think the schools are responsible for more exercise during the school day. If children are fed properly, no fast foods, no fast snacks out of the freezer, etc., I am sure parents would see some results weight wise not to mention sharper mental concentration. Now, let's get down to the root of the problem. Children need to walk and run more, go outside to play instead of sitting at the tv, computer, and let's don't forget texting. Sitting on the couch texting for hours or laying in bed texting until midnight ruins the mind and body. Let's get these kids walking and running. Is that the schools responsibility? The schools responsibility is to educate the kids, the parents responsibility is to monitor their activities after and before school. The schools get blamed for not feeding them, exercising them, nurturing them, treating their illnesses, oh yes, and educate them in the between.

Joanne of IL 1:44PM April 22, 2011

Based only on the information in this article, it looks like two-thirds of parents think that kids get a sufficient amount of physical activity in school, 74% are satisfied with playground equipment, and 78% think that recess is long enough.
Overweight parents are more likely to think schools need to do more to keep their kids physically fit? How about participating in physical activity with your kids outside of school to benefit the whole family?
Instead of relying on schools to impose nutrition, physical fitness, moral and ethical guidance, and every other parental function legislators and others can think of, let's let schools focus on academics. They'll do a better job education children if they are allowed to focus on learning.

Adam of CA 12:50PM April 22, 2011

It is of vital importance to get guidance from your child's doctor to ensure a healthy combination of diet and exercise to enable long term success. Having you and your child collaborate with his doctor will help you create a plan that maintains a healthy relationship with your son -- you don't want to create a negative situation where you are seen as "mean mommy" who won't supply food.

PField of CA 12:22PM April 22, 2011

Adults today are more obese than ever before. In order to show children that exercise is important adults need to model/show they view it as a part of their lives by daily activity.
Personally, I am a runner and yoga enthusist. My children see my exercising and going to classes. Children mimick what they see.
Practicing what you preach goes a long way to enstilling a lifetime of healthy habits.
Erika Burton, Ph.D.
Stepping Stones Together, Founder
Empowering parental involvement in early literacy programs
http://www.steppingstonestogether.com

Erika Burton of IL 12:10PM April 22, 2011