Get Control of Your Kid’s Electronic Gaming

How to control your kid’s electronic gaming

Besides the obesity that can result from the physical inactivity,

computers and hand-held electronic games, when used in

repetitively poor posture, lead to significant structural problems.

The structural problems will be in the form of spinal misalignment

eventually resulting in nerve pinching, affecting their health.

Guide your children in the proper ergonomic use of these by:

Keeping the screen at eye level

Keep forearms parallel to the floor when at the keyboard

Sit the rear all the way back in the chair.

I highly suggest limiting the time they are allowed to use these

devices. A two-hour per day maximum is the limit I’ve set for my

kids. Also, I require them to perform some exercise before they

use the computer or TV. My kids do 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, 30

squat thrusts, and 100 jumping jacks before any computer or TV

use. They may not like it, but I’m proud to be their parent, not

their friend, under such circumstances.

The rising level of inactivity in children really concerns me. I

certainly don’t want to see more hyperactive children, but I do

believe children need lots of physical activity every day. The

benefits are immeasurable and result in better sleep, blood sugar

balance, emotional well-being, and of course, weight control.

Parents have a responsibility to enforce this. I’ve strived to

encourage physical activity in my children by acquiring toys that

involve physical motion. Bikes, scooters, skate boards, skis, sleds,

balls, hoops, rollerblades, ice skates, Frisbies, pogo sticks, and a

trampoline can be seen all around my yard. Don’t give me any

nonsense about you’re not being able to afford these things; they

can easily be found very reasonably at garage sales, thrift stores,

and used sporting good stores. If you add up the cost of all the

stuff I have listed above, you’ll find that it still totals less than the

cost of many electronic game consoles.

If your kids have already been allowed to overindulge in electronic

gaming, you may likely have a real battle on your hands to change that,

but in the interest of their wellbeing you must intervene. Start by

having a loving, sincere discussion with them, explaining your concerns.

Use the art of negotiation by telling them that you could take the electronics

away completely, but instead you are willing to compromise if they agree to

the limited time and exercise requirements I suggest above. Expect resistance

and even withdrawal symptoms like nervousness, boredom, and cravings. This

will fade. It may take several weeks to get control. But don’t be surprised when

eventually, the kids follow the rules automatically and become the cheerleaders,

catching you with the faulty repetitive posture and overuse.

Kids don’t you love them?

-an excerpt from: Whole Health Healing The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible For All Ages

By Dr. Tom Potisk

www.wholehealthhealing.com