How Pathetic Are Wii?

When Brynnley came downstairs Sunday morning, she was practically in tears. I asked what was wrong and she replied, "My tummy hurts."
I said, "Are you going to be sick?"
"No," she said, "But everything hurts...my arms and legs and tummy."
"Hmmm," I said, followed with my standard, "maybe it's because you are hungry. Why don't you eat breakfast?"

Not long after, Addysen entered the kitchen and said, "Oh, my stomach hurts SO bad."
Puzzled, I said, "Are you going to be sick?"
Just then, Cannon came in and said, "My somach is SO sore...it just hurts."

Suddenly, everything clicked. I knew that we had a "WII EPIDEMIC."

We have a Wii - thanks to the kindness of my parents.
We have a Wii Fit - thanks again to the kindness of my parents.
And, as of Valentine's Day, WE have a WII Outdoor Challenge Game...which the kids played for several hours on Saturday.

Comically, yet oh-so-pathetically -- they were all sore from log jumping, waterfall climbing, barrel racing, mountain boarding, kayaking, etc. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So, I laughed...and as a result, they cried. (It hurt them too much to laugh.)

How is it that a 10, 8 and 5 year old don't get enough exercise...that they are sore from a video game? I don't recall sore muscles from my Pac Man and Donkey Kong days. (Yes, yes, I know...clearly not the same type of game.)

Of course, Greg and I could take all the blame...but it's much less of a parental guilt trip to pass some of the blame on to the school...and the lack of recess that goes on for nearly the entire winter. Case in point: Cannon got "frozen," aka "put in time out" at recess last week (one day out of 5 that they actually went outside) for running. I was so ticked when he told me...I emailed the principal. Since when can't an 8-year-old RUN AT RECESS? (He swears he was only walking fast anyway.)

I got a phone call in response to my inquiry. I guess I am supposed to understand that times have changed. Clearly, as parents, teachers and administrators in the year 2009 we have a responsibility to protect our kids from possible scraped knees,muddy shoes, cold hands, fresh air and exercise. Clearly, I am supposed to understand how damaging those potential situations could be for my child...or for other children.

Enough ranting.

Maybe I should have written Addysen a note excusing her from P.E. (yes, she did ask me too). Afterall, I'd hate for her to have experience anything. PERIOD.