June 24, 2013  

What I learned at the 9th Annual Asthma Camp.

For those who do not know, every year, a group of us run an asthma camp for children. Every year there are new revelations about these children's lives that affect me.

This year was exceptionally tough to see the lives of some children through their eyes. We enjoyed caring for 19 children between the ages of 6 and 12 who have asthma.

From yoga to nutrition, these kids were exposed to many things that were far off of their grid of daily life. They initially protested the strange activities, but soon became fans of the crane pose or homemade granola. Each year I marvel at the resistance and then capitulation of these kids to change.

The most difficult part of the week was when we asked the kids to produce a vision board, a snapshot of their desired future. As I walked around and asked the kids to explain their boards, I came upon the "group of four" as I called them.  They are the kids that are rambunctious, goofy and looking for places to raise Cain. (They really are good kids though)

As I watched their boards come to life, I noticed that all four were placing pictures of women, jewels and cars on the cardboard. Mind you, these kids are 8-12 years old and not nearly old enough to care about such things. 

I asked an 8 year old what his board meant. He shocked me with a tale akin to a Rapper's life. I asked him what his experiences at home were like. In reply, " I watch TV on my flat screen in my bedroom" "My favourite show is the Family Guy". 

Being the person that I am, I tried in vain to convince him that this was a bad idea. What I realized quickly was that all of these children had unregulated TV in their bedrooms. Whether or not the parents are aware of the content of the shows, I cannot say. What I do know is that we have a big problem when our children have unregulated media devices in their rooms. Internet, cable, satellite and other sources of age innappropriate content are warping our kids minds. 

I think that it is important for all of us to be aware that our kids are in harms way with the unregulated content.

1) No TV in the bedroom

2) Dock media devices in the main room

3) Set your parenting ratings for all devices

4) Teach your kids right from wrong as best as you can

5) Be a part of their lives and encourage extra curricular activities that keep them busy

Sad but true,