We live in an incredibly exciting world. "Old" technologies, such as radio and television, and "new" technologies, like the Internet, cellular phones and video games, are combining to bring a new level of information and entertainment into homes. However, there is a downside to all of our technological advances which can have a particularly negative impact on children. This is why your kids need to unplug and get out in the real world, perhaps more than they are already doing.

Why Your Kids Need to Unplug: Childhood Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the last 30 years, obesity among children has almost tripled. Children who are obese are at a higher risk to develop additional health problems. These problems can include:

• Increased risks for developing cardiovascular disease;
• Increased pressure on joints or bones;
• Increased risks for developing sleep apnea;
• Increased risks for developing diabetes; and
• Social problems interacting with other children.

This is the bottom line. If your children eat more calories than they burn, they will put on weight. Even if your children don't gain weight, your kids won't be healthy heart-wise and won't be laying a foundation to stay healthy as they mature. Children, as well as adults, need to be as active as possible to have a good quality of life over time.

Why Your Kids Need to Unplug: Socialization

If your children spend all of their time plugged into electronics, your kids may not develop the social skills needed to carry them through to their adult years and beyond. Your children need to learn about voice inflections and body language. Kids don't learn about "unspoken" communication when they don't interact directly with others.