Understanding the Connection Between Play and Sport in Kids

Why are the physical and mental health of our youth declining? Dr. Rhea brings back her PhD candidate, G. Kate Webb, to discuss the two extremes of children’s activity levels that we see today – sedentary behavior, and specialization in sport. Both of these lifestyles can take away from the amount of unstructured, outdoor play a child receives, which in turn leads to decreased muscle strength, possible injuries at very early ages, and an overall decline in physical and mental health as children develop and mature. Kate Webb graduated with a B.S. degree and Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Tarleton State University, worked as the Education and Retreat Director for Camp Eagle (Christian Adventure Camp in the Texas Hill Country), as a Biology/PE Teacher - Head Track/CC Coach at Wylie High School, and in the fitness industry.  As an educator, she completed the Principalship Certification in Educational Leadership at Dallas Baptist University and the Level 2 USATF Coach Certification.  In the fitness industry, she taught group fitness classes, and traveled with MASHUP Conditioning as a coach/presenter at SCW conferences.  As a NASM Sport Performance Specialist, she worked with children on developing foundational fitness to improve stability/flexibility/mobility to aid in decreased body imbalances and injury.  Additionally, she created a free Summer Track and Field Program for k-12 that has just completed its fifth season. Resources mentioned in this episode: YMCA Afterschool Program