MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- What Dad taught us at the age of eight stuck, and what Mom warned us at nine seems to linger in the back of our minds.
A parent’s advice can be invaluable and often times enduring. Keeping that in mind, what are today’s Marine Corps parents teaching their children?
This year, Nickelodeon in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America sponsored the Worldwide Day of Play in hopes to teach children the importance of playing outside.
The staff at the Youth and Teen Center here invited children to come outside and play at the center Sept. 25. All the computers and televisions were turned off at the center, and the children were given outdoor game equipment. It was only a matter of time before the children began playing and talking.
Conversation between the children started with them debating the soccer rules and ended with them comparing their parents’ advice.
After talking to the children at the Youth and Teen Center, it was blatantly obvious what their parents did for a living.
To see what children said their parents taught them, read the Kids Talk.
“Talking to your children is extremely important, but so is playing with them,” said Keith Joseph, the Youth and Teen Center manager.
“Marine parents tell me they don’t have enough time at the end of the day to play with their kids. You have to make time and make the effort to go outside and hang out.”
Joseph said that a lot of schools are cutting back on their physical education programs and increasing their computer programs.
“It’s great that schools are teaching kids to use the computers, but at the same time, it’s sad that these kids are spending less and less time outdoors,” said Joseph. “A lot of the children who come here have lots of energy, and they love playing outside.”
David Rasmussen is in the fifth grade and he comes to the Youth and Teen Center a lot. When he grows up he wants to be a veterinarian or possibly a NASCAR driver or maybe a Marine. He is not certain yet, but what he does know is that he loves to play outside.
“I like playing kickball and knockout,” said Rasmussen. “Those are my two favorites because they help me kick better. I just like sports because I get to run around and do whatever. When I come here, I usually play outside till they close.”
The Youth and Teen Center closes at 5 p.m. and Joseph encourages anyone ages 10 to 18 to stop by and enjoy any of the amenities the center has to offer.
The center hosts a variety of events and group discussions in addition to providing outdoor sports equipment and games.
Those with questions or comments can contact the Youth and Teen Center at 253-6454.