Outdoor Play versus Electronics

[kfwilson6]

I don't have any children, but would children really be interested in reading books about other children sitting inside and playing video games? I would think it would be much more interesting to read stories about people doing things outside, whether it is adventures in a backyard, playing in the ocean, or climbing a mountain.

That is a great point. That would not make for a very interesting book at all. Another point for the playing outside team!

[Riszell]

Nowadays, children tend to play more on electronics and that's sad. It is more fun and enjoyable to play outside and to move the bodies as kids play. It is healthier and more sociable. So I guess this book is very helpful to encourage children to do more outside activities.

[Emie Cuevas]

I think that we all, adults included, spend way to much time with electronic devices. I remember as a kid running around and doing all sorts and only being allowed to watch the tv for short periods of time. I think we were all healthier back then and fitter. Hardly any of my friends were fat. As I look around these days more and more fat kids are everywhere. I do hope that something can get kids away from the devices.

[kfwilson6]

The thing about modern electronics is that they encourage a "spectator type" of attitude. Nowadays a person can scroll through tons of posts about workouts and diets but still order takeouts the next day. So, children can read such a book and still choose to watch TV instead of playing outside, more so if they read this book as an ebook or pdf. Again, like most of the other posts have said, the responsibility falls back on parents to see to it that their children are physically active.

"'spectator type' of attitude" is a great way to describe how so many people are living life. People scroll through FB to see what other people are doing instead of going and making memories for themselves. I doubt anyone ever looks back on the most recent few years and says "remember that time we sat and scrolled through Facebook?" Um no, they talk about things they actually went and did. At least Toni has a fulfilling childhood!

[Eileen R]

In today's world it is quite hard to convince a child that playing outside is more fun than playing with gadgets. I think if kids are raised with a good balance of activities it would be healthy for them. The key is parents actually have to make time for their kids.

[chupke07]

I think in general kids have too much screen time, but every child is different. Not all children enjoy playing outside and in today's computer focused society it can not hurt to encourage children to gain skills they enjoy learning. Electronics could be a great benefit to children who have an aptitude for them if they are used appropriately.

[kandscreeley]

For the most part, yes. Children spend too much time indoors and not enough outside. However, there are some uses for electronics as well. My nephew is autistic and electronics help his hand/eye coordination improve. Moderation in everything is the key.

[Dahmy 10]

I believe the book did well to keep electronics and technology out of it. The set of children this book is meant for do not need to be much indulged into gadgets. They only need to know what is necessary or a joyful life!!!

[az+12_4]

Today kids have too much screen time and yes this book will give ideas of outdoor activities.Parents can give example of toni to motivate for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities are more beneficial than sticking to modern gadgets.

[Samy Lax]

Outdoor activities are really important for the wellbeing of health and the self of both adults and children. The fact that this book promotes it is something worth appreciating!

[simplymica26]

Playing outside will help develop their social skills and communication skills. It'll also help them improve their motor skills. This book will help parents to encourage kids to play outside rather than play with their electronic devices.

[LV2R]

I noticed that other than playing and singing music, none of Toni's activities included any type of electronics. Toni was not listed as liking to watch tv Do you think children spend too much time using electronics instead of playing with more traditional toys like balls and jump ropes? Will this book help encourage children to play without electronics and enjoy outdoor activities? Toni was even reading his books outside.

Yes, I think children spend too much time on electronics, but not just children spend too much time on electronics! Ha! Yes, I think if this book will help children want to play outside more, then that would be a bonus.

[Mailis]

The problem is that when you live in the city there aren't enough playgrounds or activities outside that a kid could enjoy if you aren't lucky enough to live in your own house with a garden. And socially everything has gotten really complicated lately, as kids don't even know how to play with each other or interact. It seems to come from their parents that everyone wants to be the boss of others, the "leader", instead of being just a friend. It's hugely important in my mind to have this sense of friendship and trust, where you take care of each other. And this sense of camaraderie very rarely exist anymore. Videogames have turned into real life games, where you always have to be the "winner".

[briellejee]

I don't have any children, but would children really be interested in reading books about other children sitting inside and playing video games? I would think it would be much more interesting to read stories about people doing things outside, whether it is adventures in a backyard, playing in the ocean, or climbing a mountain.

I think children won't be as interested as they would be if it's an adventurous book, but I think this book is perfect when there's an adult reading this to children. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is not that interesting but my parents used it as a reading tool for me. Maybe this book is just for a certain age group but that doesn't mean it's not as interesting as others.

[liftedbooks]

Kids do spend a lot of time on electronics, but with the time we are in it is almost as if it is a necessity. It is now up to parents to ensure there is a balance between indoor and outdoor activities.