In the final nights before Christmas, many children are stirring with anticipation of electronics.
The downer?
That’s about all the movement they’ll get with some of their dream gifts, Consumer Reports points out, in an era when they need it the most.
Video games and computers topped wish lists this year, according to a national survey of 1,000 6- to 14-year-olds by the youth division of Chicago-based C&R Research. Remote control is a big trend, according to the Toy Industry Association.
Fisher-Price, whose products have motivated a million nimble limbs, reports that close to 85 percent of its goods now have electronic components. One of its cardinal rules for infusing toys with technology, however, is that the child must control the play.
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“Once the technology takes over, it’s a watch-me toy,” Fisher-Price spokeswoman Laurie Oravec said.
Still, concern over sedentary tendencies is driving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campaign called “Verb: It’s what you do.”
Verb emphasizes that children should log 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, even if the weather outside is frightful. Its Web site, www.verbnow.com, speaks kids’ language on everything from BMX to indoor races with balloons.
In their Montgomery household, Mara Bommelman and her husband have struck a balance with their 7-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter, four TVs, computer and PlayStation.
For a while, they employed a Time-Scout Monitor, a device that shuts off the TV or computer after a time limit is reached (www.time-scout.com). It’s no longer needed.
For Christmas they bought their son a single computer game, Tekken 4. The rest are old-school versions such as Battleship, not the electronic sequels.
For outdoor activity, she and her husband put their muscles where their mouths are.
“A lot of parents don’t realize, you can’t expect them to go make a snowman by themselves,” she said. “You have to spend time with your children.”
No wrapping paper necessary.
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