Go Outside!

TV is a really super babysitter. Especially with Netflix or Amazon Prime, or whatever tricky way you have for avoiding commercials. We get to feel like it's not as if our sweet babies are getting hammered with ads for cocoa sugar bombs or some *gasp* Barbie doll, they're just watching the educational show that we dialed up. And just one, I swear, or two if I still haven't finished the dinner prep. And, actually, I'm not opposed to this babysitter. I love the iPad. It's super handy. Little E loves her some Dinosaur Train! However . . .
We've all heard the shocking statistics about how much TV kids in this country watch. The University of Michigan says "On average, children ages 2-5 spend 32 hours a week in front of a TV". That makes it almost a full time job. If this is your kid, turn off your fucking TV and go outside. Read a book. Do something else! Probably go outside. 

One of my dearest friends has proclaimed that she "hates nature". For a long time I thought that she was just saying this to be funny, but I think it's true. I don't get it, but I think it's true. Even while she is busy hating nature, she is also busy spending as much time as possible lazing in Our Park while her kiddo runs, scooters, climbs trees, and skips merrily through nature. I bring this up, not to point out the flaw in her nature hating logic, but to point out that she knows how important outside is for our kids. (and for us too!!) She's found a way to be outside with her girl that works for her and her nature hating ethos. 

It doesn't matter what you do, but find something that works for you and works for your kids. Go outside. Draw with chalk on sidewalk. You read a book while your kids draw with chalk. Walk around the block, go hiking, lay on a blanket in the park while you let your little monsters run wild. Whatever, just get out. 

                                         This                                               is just as good as                                          This!

If you're interested in the full article from the University of Michigan, check out the link below. It's interesting. Actually, it is. http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/tv.htm