International walk to school month – October 2008

With children’s obesity on the increase and them participating in more TV viewing than social and physical activities, October can bring about a small change in lifestyle with International walk To School month.

In its fourteenth year, Last year, a record 42 countries participated in this global event.

The goal of the walk varies from community to community. Some walks rally for safer and improved streets, some to promote healthier habits and some to conserve the environment.

I love the fact that the children get to socialise as they walk, plus they are getting physical activity. I remember walking home from junior school and it was a time when I cemented friendships, talked about things that were on my mind and relaxed as I felt the sun, wind and rain on my skin.

It also helps to take away the fear of letting our kids walk along the streets and gives them chance to discharge any energy that may need dissipating. Sometimes this energy gets built up into aggression that is then released in negative ways.

And of course, the walk to school becomes an education in itself, especially at this time of year. Every day brings us new colours, a different sky, new silhouettes on the trees, or for younger kids a great time for a game of ‘I spy’ as well as the perfect time to learn safety on the road skills.

I say, it doesn’t matter what the goal is – just do it for the love of doing it and help preserve our beautiful planet and our children’s health