I saw an interesting post on Facebook from a relative. His sons had been given ipads at school… to be taken home. They were to use them for schoolwork. Parents had to pay a fee in case the child lost or damaged the computer. The parents were also given no choice.

You might think we have enough trouble getting our kids active after class is over without requiring the use of a computer. You know it’s not going to be used by a teacher. They all will. All my teachers did it in the old days when we had to go to the library.

Talk to the teachers: This is not the time to be a helicopter parent, but it is something that needs to be discussed between parents and teachers. There are many issues that need to be addressed, including the issue of too much homework. Even with the Internet, writing six papers would be difficult for any child, and depending on the age and type of class, it’s a possibility.

Boundaries: These teaching devices are not going to be used only to do homework. The world is available and once they are done with the classroom assignments, the Internet calls them. This is where we need to step in and get our kids up and moving. Set a limit on how long they can play so they have time to be active.

Example: We have to lead by example. After reviewing the program with the teachers and setting limits for our children, we need to set limits for ourselves and be active. He spends half an hour playing catch (the girls like it too). Go for a family walk. Let the children see that this is the way to live a healthy lifestyle.

Once we have the Internet in our lives, it is very easy to acquire bad habits. Not being active is one of them.