I originally wrote this piece a year ago. But it’s no less relevant. I’m thinking of it not because DH volunteered us for bibs again this week, but because of a conversation earlier this week. I was idly talking to a mentor of a young sports team (under 9s). He was saying how a couple of the children were struggling with some basic skills in training. So, he tells me how he suggested a drill to one of them.
“Here’s what you do: you go out in the garden and you practice just this bit (demonstrates a move with ball) a few time every evening and you’ll get it in no time.”
Child replied: “I don’t have time to play outside after my tablet time every day after school.”
Bib washing is simply under-appreciated.
Last year, I wrote this piece when a washing line of bibs reminded me of an ad from when I was a teen.
“If you let me play…” Nike ad campaign in 1995 promoted the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of sport for girls. Those statistics are for the US in the mid-90’s, but shouldn’t surprise you that they are still relevant. (And much of it also applies to boys).
If you let children play sports, they are more likely to be physically active throughout their life.
If you let them play, they are more likely to have positive body image.
If you let them play, they are less likely to develop certain types of disease later in life, including types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
If you let them play, they are more likely to have better sleep patterns.
If you let them play, they are more likely to have good mental health.
If you let them play, they are more likely to reduce screen time and can reduce their chance of vision problems caused by excessive screen time at a young age including myopia, eye strain, and dry eyes.
If you let them play, they will learn skills such as teamwork, setting goals, and how to deal with small setbacks.
So, when you wash those bibs, you are not only helping children/teens to get more of that essential physical activity. Only 13% of Irish children get the minimum recommended amount, which is 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity play. (Moderate intensity means that breathing and heart rate are faster, but they can still talk.) It is essential for their health: mental, physical, emotional. Both long-term and short-term.
So, here’s to all the bib washers. And all the many, many other ways your support lets them play.
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