subject: Kids' toys used to help youngsters get fit [print this page] Kids' toys used to help youngsters get fit
There are many possible benefits caused by children's toys. Firstly and perhaps most importantly, they let youngsters pass the time without getting bored. In this way, they can provide an invaluable lifeline for parents who are constantly trying to find things for their sons and daughters to do.
However, this is not their only use. They are also a great way for little ones to develop their minds and imaginations. Another and equally important function of some kids' toys is that they help children stay fit.
With this in mind, a local authority in the UK is using some iconic children's toys from the 1980s to help local boys and girls remain in shape, the Loughborough News reports.
According to the publication, space hoppers and pogo sticks are among the items being utilised to help local youths burn some calories and pass the time.
The initiative has been named Charnwood Borough Council's Retro Play programme and it is being organised by the organisation's play ranger team as part of a series of activities intended for youngsters aged between five and 16.
Commenting on the scheme, play ranger Sue Monk said: "We love the idea of using space hoppers and pogo sticks because not only are they great fun but they also encourage children to get active.
"The play rangers had great fun test driving them and I hope that parents will encourage their children to have a taste of how they used to play!"
Other activities being run by the council include raft-building, climbing and kite sports.
In addition, more traditional activities such as football, badminton and trampolining are on offer.
Also remarking on the initiative, councillor Peter Lewis, Charnwood Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "Space hoppers and pogo sticks are certainly iconic toys which immediately cast your mind back to the 80s. They were great then and I'm confident they'll be just as popular second time around!"
"I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this huge range of events which will be running throughout the borough during the half-term break. There really is no need for anyone to get bored!"
Charnwood Borough Council is not the only local authority to encourage youngsters to get involved in activities that promote exercise. The issue of overweight and obese boys and girls is rising in the UK as a result of lifestyle changes.
Kids often get less exertion because they do not walk as much as their counterparts from previous generations. Also, some modern games are blamed for encouraging them to stay indoors too much, rather than running around in the open air.
However, many parents are afraid to allow their sons and daughters to play outdoors unsupervised because of concerns over their safety.
But by choosing toys and other things carefully and monitoring their use, mothers and fathers should be able to achieve a satisfactory level of physical exercise. The benefits if they do can be significant in terms of the current and future wellbeing of their children.
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