Borrowing a refrain voiced by generations of parents, Missouri officials are urging moms and dads to get their kids away from the television and outside for some fresh air.
As part of a national effort, Missouri families are being encouraged to take children to the nearest state park so they can explore nature during "Take a Child Outside" week from Sept. 24 through 30.
Do children really need a themed week to encourage them to play outside?
Supporters say it certainly could help. With child obesity on the rise and children spending more time playing electronic games or surfing the Internet, supporters of the effort are extolling the virtues of getting out of the house.
"There's just a disconnect with the natural world around you," said Sue Holst, a spokeswoman for Missouri's Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the state parks. "Today's children do not seem to have the same connection to the outdoors."
