BUCKING THE SYSTEM: CLIMATE CONTROL ISN'T AN ENERGY BOOSTER IF ALL YOU DO IS STAY INSIDE

We have become a generation of wimps who suffer sunstroke while going out to the mailbox each afternoon.

Every parent I knew growing up had a stock phrase that they uttered without even looking up if a child came inside the house before dusk. They told us to "stay in or stay out."

Those words were usually enough to send us scrambling back outside and to the nearest water hose for the drink we had come in for in the first place.

But now there's no need for that phrase. Most children aren't going out in the first place, so there's no worry about "cooling the whole block" or "letting the air out."

Air conditioning is probably doing Americans as much harm as rock 'n' roll or that demon above all demons -- television. With the end of the school year only a few weeks away, it's safe to assume we'll see another group of children who fall prey to its laze-inspiring breeze.

This wonderful invention has made living much more comfortable, but it has sapped all of the energy from Americans and rendered us all but useless when it comes to prolonged outdoor activity.

Some persevere, and God bless them. But the majority of Americans have grown up with climate control and we've decided we can do everything worth doing inside ... where it's cool.

Even my parents have been victimized by climate control. These two adults, whose school years revolved around cotton-picking season in Alabama and Mississippi, decided long ago that outdoors was for supervising children while they did chores. Once they leave the nest, outdoors became a place for people who are working for pay.

No longer do mom and dad weed the flower bed or till the vegetable garden. As a matter of fact, my father, who was in charge of keeping up the yard, has hired people to maintain it, and he doesn't even check it once they're done.

What's that about?

There are more positive things for kids to do than "lay up under the air all day" (another phrase I've heard in years past). Kids need constructive activities to keep their hands from becoming the devil's workshop, and there are many of these to be found outside.

The same could be said for many adults. I know of a lot of women, including myself, who might save money on swimwear if they'd go outside and get some air along with their kids.

There are many groups sponsoring activities this summer that are designed to get kids up and out of the house. Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation recently released a summer schedule of healthy, educational and entertaining activities for the young and young at heart.

In addition, there's the school system, Civic Center, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army and many other groups sponsoring activities that don't require air-conditioning but do require enthusiasm.

Parents should talk to their children and get them motivated for the summer. Just because school's out doesn't mean they need to let their brains relax. Get them active and help them enjoy the summer.

Besides, all too soon it will be fall and everyone will be wondering why they stayed for another Missouri winter.

~Tamara Zellars Buck is a staff writer for the Southeast Missourian.