Every parent will have heard that their kids need to have less screen time, and more time outdoors. With all good intentions put to one side, today’s world involves advanced technology, social fears, and overly busy days. Parents don’t need to have lectures on why their kids need time outdoors. Instead, they need practical solutions that will help them achieve it.
Most parents want to have their kids outdoors more, roaming and exploring over hills and vales. However, kids don’t always agree, especially older children that are more involved in making their own choices about their spare time.
When they’re young it’s much easier. You can just bundle them up and carry them to out through the great outdoors. Eventually, though, they become too heavy and more independent. Now, your hikes are at their pace, not yours.
As your kids approach school-age you may also struggle to keep them entertained or motivated while hiking. You have probably already pieced together clever strategies, exaggerated excitement, offered treats and bribes, or even just told them that it’s mandatory.
Below you’ll find some great suggestions on how to get your kids outside when they would prefer to stay in. Bear in mind that all kids are different and some of these may or may not work with your kids.
Follow Their Interests
Yes, each of your children is likely to have different interests. Try working on a rotating basis between your children that allows you to follow their interests in order to get them outdoors. You may need to think creatively about this, but there are certainly ways you can achieve this. Just because you are enjoying biking, hiking, or bird watching, does not mean they will too. In fact, dragging them outdoors to do things they don’t enjoy may push them in the opposite direction.
Children will be excited about outdoor activities if the activity includes things they love, like animals. Try to think like your kids, or even ask them about what they are interested in that is outdoors. Even if they are a bookworm and their favourite thing to do is sit quietly and read you could arrange an outdoor picnic where they can do just that. If you have a Pokemon lover, go hunt some Pokemon. Superhero lover? Play superheroes outdoors, even if it’s just in the garden.
Make getting around fun
You don’t need to stay inside if your kid doesn’t like walking. Getting outside on a different mode of transport can instantly liven up a trip outdoors for kids. You needn’t even spend a fortune on bikes or scooters, as there are plenty of other options to capture your child’s imagination.
A relatively inexpensive option is to grab a skateboard. Not only do kids love them, but they’ll also help them to improve their balance and coordination. Make sure any trip you make factors in a brief detour to any parks or empty spaces though, so they have ample opportunity to improve their skills.
Go Outdoors With Them
Your children are more likely to go out if you go play with them. Have fun, allow them to see you smile, and enjoying yourself. Instead of telling them what to do outside, ask them what they would like to do. One method that works well is a summer bucket list of things they want to do before the end of the summer. At the start of the holidays, build a list of outdoor activities and pin it to the board to tick off as you complete them. Another useful thing to do is dedicating certain days of the week to outdoor family adventures. If it becomes part of the normal routine, the kids may even start to get excited about what adventure you will go on next.
Consider a Fishing Trip
There’s few better ways for a father and child to bond than going out together on a fishing trip. If you’ve never fished before, you’re likely to be surprised at the number of nearby lakes set up just for anglers. Of course, you’ll need the appropriate equipment too, but it needn’t cost the Earth – if you’re able to find a Bass Pro Shops promo code, this will certainly help you to get everything you’ll require for a memorable trip. If you think your child might like it, many lakes even allow you to set up a tent and camp overnight too, turning a short experience into a mini-holiday of sorts!
Invite Friends To Play
If they don’t want to play with you, they may get more excited about playing with their friends outdoors. You could even get involved with a community outdoor playgroup such as a football team. Just do a Google search and see what you can find. Get to know some of the families in the neighborhood, and encourage your kids to ask other kids about playing outdoors. Getting to know more parents in the neighborhood will make you feel more comfortable if they want to roam and play.
If you prefer not to let them roam free, you could arrange regular meetups and invite other families on your outdoor adventures. You could even arrange a fun camping trip and take a drdrone so your kids don’t miss technology too much. Plus, camping provides the adults with some downtime too.
Make It Safe For Them To Explore More Independently
There is always going to a safety aspect to consider when your kids are out and about exploring. You may be ok with sending them out and not hearing from them for the afternoon when they’re older. For many though, the backyard is as far as some parents are comfortable letting them go, with younger kids needing to be supervised the majority of the time.
Your children need to feel safe in order for them to enjoy their time outdoors, and they will never feel safe if you make them feel as though there is something to worry about. Try finding a space where you know they can play outside without you having to worry. You should do everything that you can to make your backyard a safe zone for them to explore. Adding a mud kitchen, some garden toys, and clearing dangers such as wasp nests or dog poo can help to make it a safe place to be. If your kids are getting to an age at which they may want to start exploring the neighborhood, make sure you show them clearly where they can and can’t go, and what to do if they need help.
The best thing you can do is to teach them some basic outdoor safety. Simple things such as how to react to any strangers or animals they meet outdoors, what they can and can’t touch or eat, and where and when they can play.
Include Outdoor Play as Part of Your Everyday Routine
Do you have a normal daily routine? If so, do you include outdoor activity as any part of it? If you don’t, is there any time that you can add more outside play to your routine? If you feel as though you have no time to add outdoor play, evaluate your routine. You can also add outdoor time into your routine with things like the school run, or walking to the shop instead of driving. You could get the kids to spend some time outdoors before tea each day, or make it a requirement that they play outside for half an hour before they have screen time. Some families find success with a reward chart system. Aside from gifts of monetary reward, consider giving customized ribbons as an award to your kids to encourage them.
Do Everyday Activities Outside
This is so simple, but super effective. If you have a patio, balcony, or backyard use it for them to do homework, eat meals, read books, do crafts, play games, you name it. If the weather is nice, sit at the table and do the same activity. If you see your kids sitting at the dining table to do their homework, on the sofa playing with a tablet, or reading in their room, remind them that they have the option to do the activity outdoors.
You could even try to do your own computer work and reading outdoors when the weather is good. If you’re outdoors the kids will likely follow suit. They’ll bring out their homework, games, or start playing outside. Eating your meals outdoors is one of the best ways to get them outside. The summer is short so make the most of it and spend as much time doing normal activities outdoors.
Introducing new routines and activities to your kids can be a challenge. Adults can also be resistant to change though, so these tips aren’t just reliant on the kids making changes. You need to as well. Never give up. Try to get your kids outside every day, even for a few minutes. Gradually increase the time day-by-day until you hit the time you want.
Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share some in the comments below.