The sixth annual report card, released in part by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, found alarming trends for decreased physical activity in younger children.
Most toddlers under the age of two have already spent some time in front of the TV, it said — even though it is recommended they get zero screen time before their second birthday.
One American study used to compile the report found that 89 per cent of time spent at day care was sedentary.
OK, so maybe I’m using a cute excuse to engage in daycare-bashing (it’s a bit of a hobby). It is of course up to parents to help kids develop healthy life habits, no matter where they spend their days. So get to it.
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89 percent?! As a parent looking into daycare, that’s a little shocking. I wouldn’t choose a day care that had a TV in the classroom, but we swim at least 3 times a week so wouldn’t be worried if they weren’t always on the go while they’re there. I’ll admit it isn’t always easy to get moving for everyone though, especially in the winter. I’m a big fan of employers paying for the gym memberships of employees (some do this and require proof of attendance). That would motivate a lot of people. Healthy parents, healthy kids.
In spite of recommendations about “zero screen time before their second birthday”, I’m willing to bet that most kids who are at home with mom or dad are getting some screen time- not just at daycare. And being home with parents doesn’t guarantee physical activity, either. There are active daycare centres out there, and there are some where the TV is on all day, but the same could be said for kids at home.
Things can be improved on, but I hope women aren’t feeling guilty about working because people use this information for daycare-bashing.
I stay at home with my kids, and we don’t spend every minute of the day being physically active. More than 11% of the time, for sure… but we do have a TV.