Make time for ‘free’ play

In this age of computer games, it is important that children should go out and play with neighbourhood kids. A new study says that parents who home-school their children may think that putting them into organised sports and physical activities keeps them fit but the young need much more.

The researchers, including Laura Kabiri from the Rice University, said the problem lies in how much activity is part of organised regimen. The authors said parents should give their children more time for unstructured physical activity every day. “Parents know if they ... don’t see their kids breathing and sweating hard, then they’re not getting enough exercise,” Kabiri said.  —IANS