How To Get Your Kids To Play Outside

Mind is All

It is quite likely that you can look back on your childhood and find fond memories of those days when you played outside for hours, until your parents forced you to come inside. In the winter, you played in the snow; in the fall, you played in the leaves; and in the spring and summer, you played whatever games your imagination came up with! These times spent outdoors may have been shared with your siblings, or perhaps you shared them with other kids who lived in your neighborhood. And all the way until dark, you would play sports or play make believe with these siblings and friends.

Nowadays, however, it seems like many kids never set foot outdoors except to wait for the school bus in the mornings. And if they are not in school, they are usually either staring at a computer screen, or they are watching television and playing video games from the couch. When children play outside, they cut down on the potential for childhood obesity, and they become healthier and even more mentally strong; while television, video games, and computers are fine, they should be used in moderation. If you want your own children to begin playing outside, here are a few tips for you to try out on your own.

One of the things that is important for you to recognize is the fact that most children do not want to be "told" what to do; do not "force" your children to play outside, as they will then be less likely to enjoy it. What you should do instead is create opportunities for your children to "discover" the joys of playing outdoors. There are a couple ways by which this can be effectively accomplished: 1) Put a limit on how much "media time" they are allowed each day; 2) Take some time to play outside with them!

Your children will begin to naturally gravitate toward the outdoors as their computer, television, and video game time is limited each day. And as you suggest to your children that you all play outside together, it will draw them out of the house and get them started.

Although some children will take to the outdoors naturally, automatically playing outside without any nudge from you, this is not always the case; not to worry - just follow these tips, and you will notice your children playing outside more and more.