As someone who has family members working in elementary school systems in various parts of the country, I can see the increasing reported cases of ADHD and more severe behavioral problems cropping up in young children of varying ages, economic classes, races, and ethnic groups.
My own mother told me of a second-grader at her school that threw a tantrum so severe that it took four adults to restrain him to keep him from hurting himself or others.
Now, I will be the first to emphasize the fact that I am not a professional. Certainly some of these children have very serious problems that need to be addressed by psychiatrists and doctors and perhaps even prescribed medication to help keep some issues under control. But in my personal opinion, children need more opportunities to unleash both creative and physical energy.
Tight government budgets have spelled out the doom of many fundamental school programs. Music, physical education, art, and elementary gifted programs in public schools have begun to suffer or have disappeared altogether from some schools.
While it is definitely worthwhile petitioning and contributing to keep all of these programs in place, it is also important that you step up to the plate with your own child to ensure that they have an intellectually enriching and physically motivating environment at home.
We all know how difficult this can be because unfortunately, we all have demands on our time beyond our children and families. But you can still do your part by both encouraging and providing.
By providing, I mean make the arts accessible in your home. Supply paints, crayons, coloring books and drawing paper. Select age-appropriate music and play it for your children. Sing along with them to the radio on the way to school. And, as your children grow older, introduce them to new music that will interest them in new ways.
Often, depending on peer groups and other types of exposure to dictate your child's taste in music and the arts will instill in your children questionable values that you may strive to undo later. It will be better to take the time to establish your standards early on.
Encourage each of your children to unleash the power of their imagination as a response to the various arts they enjoy. This will help them develop a lifelong appreciation of and connection to the arts.
Your children should also have a love for good, clean fun. Think about enrolling them in club sports. If this is out of your budget, then collaborate with neighborhood parents to arrange play dates that include physical activities, even if there are just a few games of tag.
Regular cardiovascular exercise not only helps fend off childhood obesity; it promotes positive brain activity and helps children focus in the classroom. Do your part to petition for regular recesses at your child's school, and then take time to encourage your children to use the time to play available sports or other physical games with their friends.
Children who develop and maintain a balance of solid academics, artistic pursuits, and physical activity are more likely to become balanced adults. But what is most important is the parental involvement and encouragement!
