The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has constructed a number of playgrounds in an attempt to divert the attention of children away from technology.
Five playgrounds and fitness parks have already been installed
The provincial government has installed five playgrounds and fitness parks in various towns in Ilocos Norte.
Bacarra Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Veronica Salmon shares, “Children nowadays do not want to go outside their homes because they like playing computers. Now (that we have playgrounds), they will enjoy playing here.”
However, the playgrounds are not only limited to children as there’s also exercise equipment for the kids’ parents and elders so that the entire family can enjoy a fun day of physical activity to help keep them active and healthy.
It also aims to strengthen social relations between Ilocanos
Provincial Board Member Matthew Manotoc, who initiated the project, hopes that the parks will become a “family space, community space, and a safe space.”
He says that it’s also a part of the provincial government’s initiative to make Ilocos Norte more livable through establishing a number of public spaces where families can go to so that they can exercise, or just simply have fun.
The project also aims to strengthen social relations between Ilocanos as having a tight-knit community is immensely helpful in times of crisis.
Go to the next page to learn about keeping your kids fit!
Keeping kids fit and healthy
These days, kids spend a lot of time on the internet or using their gadgets, and that makes it hard to keep kids fit and active. So here are some tips to encourage your kids to get off that couch and start moving!
- Give them incentives. Usually, kids don’t really have an incentive when it comes to getting fit since children don’t really feel the negative effects of being unhealthy. That’s why it’s important to reward them whenever they exercise, so that they feel more motivated to be more physical.
- Healthy food is important. Having enough energy for exercise is extremely important, so try and feed your children healthy food that’s low in preservatives so that they won’t feel tired or lazy.
- Let them try out new things. Ask your child if he/she is interested in trying out a new sport or a new activity. Sometimes, you just need to ask your child what sort of physical activity interests them so that you can get them moving!
- Set a time for using the internet and their gadgets. Having constant access to the internet and their gadgets is a bad idea. While they’re young, children should know that it’s not okay to just stay online or play games non-stop. Give them enough time to use their gadgets, and give them time for other, more physical activities as well.
Source: news.mb.com.ph, kidshealth.org
READ: 5 Questions to ask your kids before giving them cellphones
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