As the school summer break winds down and parents are busy preparing their children to return to school, one mother is urging parents to encourage a balance between academics and physical activity for their children.
Moreover, she is setting the example.
St. Lucia Times caught up with Elodie and her eight-year-old daughter Zuri last week during the closing ceremony of the Speed Printing Survivors track and field club’s run, jump and throw summer camp.
Zuri was one of the participants who received commendation after bagging medals in various disciplines.
While her daughter’s success is important for Elodie, receiving support at home takes precedence.
“We realized that Zuri had a keen interest in sports from an early age and it showed even more from the time she entered early childhood education,” Elodie disclosed.
“So we have continued to support her first in swimming, enrolling her in swim classes at the aquatic center and now in track and field where she likes the races as well as hurdles and just sports in general,” she added.
In July of this year, Zuri’s mom registered her with the Survivors Club under the tutelage of Cuthbert “Twa Ti Nay” Modeste.
“Since then we have really seen some positive changes and growth, so we decided to stay. Twa Ti Nay is very good with the children. He is an extremely good teacher and she enjoys going to his classes. Of course when we found out that he had coached Julien Alfred in her early years, and then her success at the Olympics, this served as even greater motivation for us,” Elodie stated.
The proud mom said that she has observed her daughter, a student of Dame Pearlette Primary School, move from a “B” student to now straight A’s and has no doubt it is all because of sports and physical activity.
“So I really want to encourage parents to give their children the support one hundred percent in these areas. As long as there are avenues for them to channel their energies; whether it is sports, dance, the arts, they should be encouraged. I do believe that this helps them do better in the other areas of their school-work and benefits them socially, physically and mentally, leading to better citizens in the society in the long-run,” Elodie emphasised.
The youths are often full with energy and this is part of their development. It only takes a situation to switch things around. Since sports is an active thing it help in making the body function much better in general. 95% of our youths like to bow their heads into a phone, causing close or idle mind set because it is being used for a different purpose. Most kids who parents often furnished them with a mobile they don’t understand that’s a form of luxury. Parents also don’t sit and spend time with their kids or take them out often. They themselves find their own selfish agenda. Our sports facilities are in horrible state, not often they can go at the academy. Toilet, running water, proper dressing rooms etc are just a few department that doesn’t exist. School facilities are often being used but you also have to understand the physiological effects since they are spend 80% of their daily life there. I am happy for you are a parent that you know what needs to be done for your own. We are hoping a trend can be set as from now, a start is never too late rather than don’t start at all.
Lady, you are setting a very good example. You are doing exactly what society needs to be better. If every parent follows your example, our society will be infinitely better for it. The solutions to societal issues ain’t that difficult to find. But is the will their to make a difference? I have often said, we must get the citizens when they are young and lead them in the right direction…these are the formative years which are crucial. Give them the right upbringing and most likely they will choose progress rather than regress.
There are lots of extra curricula activities for young minds to get involved in. When I was growing up in St. Lucia – there was the girls brigade etc. Also, there was dance class and we were in dance schools for which there would be a recital at the end of dance sessions Also you can learn to play an instrument (off which there are several), sewing, crocheting, netball, football – there are lots of fun things to do with your extra after school time.
Some may think I am old fashion – but I can honestly state that I am not on any social media sites. I have my email and that is enough for me. The brain does not need to be wired in social media all day every day 24/7 – not healthy.