As a child, there were few phrases that could make me angrier than, "Do as I say, not as I do." In the childhood injustice hall of fame, it has to rank in the top three, along with my perennial favorite, "Because I said so."
I've been thinking a lot about this lately. We are all very concerned, and rightfully so, about the amount of time kids are spending surfing the net, playing video games, text messaging and chatting on the cell phone. But, are we taking an honest look at the behaviors we engage in and the example we are setting? Probably not.
No judging here folks -- promise. We are all guilty. It's easy to become slaves to our devices and habits. How many times have you:
- Talked on the cell phone while you and your kids took a walk or played in the park?
- Eaten dinner in front of the TV?
- Taken your laptop on "vacation"
- Let the kids watch a DVD in the car instead of playing travel games or having a conversation?
- Been on your PDA during school or social events?
- Taken phone calls during dinner?
Yes, we are all busy. Of course, things need to get done. That said, it is time to give yourself permission to put some LIFE back in to living. Unplug. Play. Engage in a favorite hobby or develop a new one. Find time not only for your kids and family, but for yourself. (Green Hour -- it's not just for kids anymore!)
I get it -- making time for a Green Hour is a challenge. Some days, making time for lunch seems impossible. But, here is the simple truth: you are worth it. The health and happiness of your family is worth it.
Take an honest look at the amount of time you’re spending in front of electronic screens. Challenge yourself to reduce that amount. Choices have to be made. Priorities have to be examined. It starts with us. The adults. The role models. To paraphrase Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see."
Now, turn off your computer and go outside. I promise to do the same!
| Bethe Almeras is the Senior Manager for Family and Educator Programs for the National Wildlife Federation and Campaign Manager for Green Hour. Learn more, at: www.greenhour.org. |
As a child, there were few phrases that could make me angrier than, "Do as I say, not as I do." In the childhood injustice hall of fame, it has to rank in the top three, along with my perennial favorite, "Because I said so."
I've been thinking a lot about this lately. We are all very concerned, and rightfully so, about the amount of time kids are spending surfing the net, playing video games, text messaging and chatting on the cell phone. But, are we taking an honest look at the behaviors we engage in and the example we are setting? Probably not.
No judging here folks -- promise. We are all guilty. It's easy to become slaves to our devices and habits. How many times have you:
- Talked on the cell phone while you and your kids took a walk or played in the park?
- Eaten dinner in front of the TV?
- Taken your laptop on "vacation"
- Let the kids watch a DVD in the car instead of playing travel games or having a conversation?
- Been on your PDA during school or social events?
- Taken phone calls during dinner?
Yes, we are all busy. Of course, things need to get done. That said, it is time to give yourself permission to put some LIFE back in to living. Unplug. Play. Engage in a favorite hobby or develop a new one. Find time not only for your kids and family, but for yourself. (Green Hour -- it's not just for kids anymore!)
I get it -- making time for a Green Hour is a challenge. Some days, making time for lunch seems impossible. But, here is the simple truth: you are worth it. The health and happiness of your family is worth it.
Take an honest look at the amount of time you’re spending in front of electronic screens. Challenge yourself to reduce that amount. Choices have to be made. Priorities have to be examined. It starts with us. The adults. The role models. To paraphrase Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see."
Now, turn off your computer and go outside. I promise to do the same!