Help your kids fight the inner slob

Waikato children are starting high school unable to perform basic physical movements, and one physical education expert says more attention needs to be paid to PE in schools to keep New Zealand from becoming a nation of slobs.

Why is it that schools seem to take the brunt of initiatives and changes in foci?

Sex Ed, Drug Ed, health, fitness, smoking, driving, binge drinking. It seems to me that whatever the current issue is, whatever the social question, the answer is always: ‘Education in school’.

Teachers take on all these new roles and extra responsibilities but the reality is that there are only so many hours in the school day. You can cut that number in half if you’re talking about ‘productivity’ and learning retention. Yet here we go again...

This time it’s a emphasis on PE.

This of all things s surprises me. Reason being that there are a massive number of sports and clubs and facilities available for youngsters to choose from.
Rugby, Netball, soccer, hockey, cricket, athletics, swimming, martial arts to name but a few. Yet to save the next generation it seems that "school and Education" are again the only answer.

There needs be an emphasis upon positive parenting and how they can encourage, or even ‘make’ their off-spring pick a sport and commit to it during a session.

“But Dad, I’ve never been any good at rugby, you can’t make me go!”

And true enough, yet as mentioned previously, there is a wealth of opportunity out there for youngsters. Surely the conversation should be:


Father: I don’t mind which sport you choose, but you have to choose one to attend over the next two terms. Options are: Rugby, Soccer, Rock climbing or bowling. Which is it going to be? 

Daughter: erm... can I think it over. 

Father: yes, decide by Friday, first practice is Saturday morning.

I’m not saying that schools should shirk responsibility. I’m merely saying that they are not the only ones with the responsibility. Come on New Zealand GET ACTIVE! And on that note, I’m off for a swim, I never was any good at rugby. Related posts  

• Breakfast v Pies... again
•  Breakfast v Pies... part 3 
• Healthy Kids Healthy Education

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