Out-of-shape kids

Earlier this week, at a riding lesson for little E, we shared the time slot with this older boy, probably 13, who was clearly a big boy for his age. It was his first time on a horse by the looks of it. Now, it was about 6:00pm, and it had been a hot day, probably 103. But from the looks of this kid, it looked like he was riding over the vents of Hell!

He was so unhappy, dripping with sweat, and starting to look pretty woozy- all after 5 minutes on the back of a horse! He didn't even get into a trot- this was just walking around the arena! The instructor brought him to the side, and he got off that horse so quickly, he fell as his feet missed the ground. His mother was clueless- she brought no water, and didn't seem to understand what was wrong with him. The kid nearly passed out from the heat.

The instructor asked him if he ever goes outside, and the answer was shockingly "No". Sitting in the air conditioning all day never prompted him to drink anything either.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. These kids are totally incapable of surviving in a natural environment because of all the cushy things to do inside. I am determined not to see my own kids in that sort of lethargic state. Of course, it's because that mom was so removed from reality, she had no idea what to do. (The instructor had to tell her to go turn the air on in the car before the boy got in, she had a tough time grasping the why in all of it.)

All in all, it was a weird afternoon, but sobering to say the least. What am I doing to pull the kids out of the air conditioning to get them quality aerobic exercise? I am hoping that with adequate hydration, we should all be able to brave the heat in order to have some fun.

Lesson learned: Lots of water all day before these big outside activities and LOTS of outside fun!