Exercise and Socialization are crucial to the physical and mental well-being of children.  Children who are isolated run a higher risk of depression and other mental illnesses.  During this time of uncertainty, children are being forced into isolation and their places of exercise are randomly being closed, even when they are complying with, and exceeding, the guidelines established for them to keep children and staff safe and healthy.

Competitive Dance should be categorized with other similar sports such as Competitive Cheer and Gymnastics.  Dance, Cheer, Gymnastics, Martial Arts of all types, Swimming, Music, and others all help to build a child's self-esteem, their confidence, and their communication skills.  It has been proven time and again that children who participate in social and team activities develop important life skills like trust, problem-solving, listening, leadership, and creative thinking.

What we are seeing, however, is an alarming trend that personal bias is determining the closure of specific child-focused physical activity centers.  These are not "fitness centers", but rather are facilities focused on the emotional and physical well-being of children. 

Dance, Performing Arts Centers, Cheer, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Music, Swimming - all of these facilities that are focused on the mental and physical well-being of children MUST be considered essential.  We are seeing a dramatic increase of depression and isolation-induced physiological issues in children.  As parents, we are seeing signs of depression in our children - even as young as 5 years old now that they are no longer able to participate in their CHOSEN sport, competitive Dance, in person, but rather are REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT to spend more "screen time" than is healthy just to participate in their desired sport. 

We are seeing withdrawal, disinterest in normal "fun" activities, and sadness on a daily basis.  Help us stop this trend.  Facilities that are focused on the physical and mental well-being of children, such as performing arts centers, dance studios, etc MUST be allowed to remain open if they are following the guidelines!  Our children are hurting.  

If a Starbucks has cases attributed to it, the shop is shut down, they clean their store, and reopen.  However, these places that focus on the mental and physical health of our children, who are the future of our society, are being shut down preemptively, even if no cases are attributed to them. The owners, employees, & parents are DILIGENT in the safety of their children during this time of uncertainty. What will you say to our children?  Are they worth less than a $5 cup of coffee? 

#standupforourchildren #letourchildrenplay #letourchildrendance