Is Your Child Getting Outside?

Children should get outside to play for at least one hour per day.  That's according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.  But a new study by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine finds nearly half of 3 to 5 year olds are not taken outside by a parent or caregiver every day.

"Physical activity is not only good for weight control and preventing obesity, but it's good for fine motor skills and it teaches confidence and coordination and interaction with other children," said Dr. Steven Rice of the American Academy of Pediatrics New Jersey Chapter. 

The study found that mothers took their children out to play more often than fathers did.  In addition, mothers who exercised often were more likely to take their kids outdoors as opposed to those who were not as physically fit. 

"It's important for parents to come up with ways to work around the issues that are keeping their children from going outside.  If they work outside the home, make the time upon arriving home.  Some parents have a network of friends and they take turns taking the kids outside," said Rice.  "Parents want to do what's best for their children and playing outside is an important part of what we do as parents."