01:59:40 – 11 miles

Normally I stay away from non-running and controversial topics, but here I go.

A new study released shows that letting kids watch cartoons like SpongBob SquarePants can impair young kids thinking.

Duh.

As a father of 4, I feel like I have some background into this arena. Have you ever watched a child’s face when they watch a fast paced cartoon? They look like the basis for a zombie movie. Their body sulks and goes limp. Everything in them stops moving.

Of course it impairs their thinking! They are not thinking when they watch the show!

There are plenty of slower paced shows. PBS has great kids shows that are educational like WordGirl, Cyberchase, and Wild Kratts. These shows go at a pace that allows kids to have time to process what they are seeing and process their own thoughts.

Now, having 4 kids under the age of 8, I know that it’s exhausting and sometimes you just want a break. Instead of flipping on the tube and leaving the kids to learn from a cartoon show (and commercials), send them outside. Better yet, go with them! It’s actually a good way to let your frustration out as well. Run around kicking a ball for a little while and everyone feels better.

Wow, didn’t expect to bring that back around to running.