How to get your kids excited about the outdoors?
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Many parents across America are concerned about their children having too much screen time. This especially holds true since the COVID pandemic hit. Children were forced to participate in remote learning by computer for months. Many continue to do their schoolwork online. Screen time isn’t confined to their education.
Smartphones, tablets, and television screens are in almost every household. Gaming, social media, and television programming can monopolize a child’s time. As a parent, you can take charge and get your kids excited to break free from technology.
Why is it important to get outside?
Research has proven that time outdoors is beneficial. It’s not only good for children. It can help adults as well. Outdoor play encourages your child to use his or her imagination in an unstructured way. The whole world can be a playground. Your backyard, the neighborhood playground, a park, or the wilderness can set the stage for countless adventures. Take your pick.
During the school week, staying close to home may be more practical. Branch out on weekends to explore the environment around you. Your children will become physically active, they’ll be stimulated, and they’ll benefit from the fresh air. Sunshine is also beneficial, boosting your child’s mood and vitamin D levels. Don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your child from UV rays.
Begin by limiting screen time
The first step to break your child’s dependency on technology is to place a limit on how long screen time is allowed. You may have no choice when it comes to schoolwork. Your child may have set times during the school day that online participation is required.
Once homework and online meetings are completed, set the amount of time your child can use a cellphone, computer, or watch television. You might allow a half-hour of each. The rest of your child’s free time should be spent outdoors. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, board games, books, writing in a journal, projects, and drawing offer other options.
Teach your children it is okay to get dirty and wet
Your children may resist playing outside because they are afraid of upsetting you with dirty clothes. There’s a simple solution. Set aside old, worn-out clothing for outdoor play. Tell your child getting dirty is part of the fun.
That’s why you have soap and water. Getting wet in puddles or a creek shouldn’t be a problem either. Have towels and a change of clothes on hand.
Start at home to spark your child’s interest
The sky’s the limit when you are thinking of ways to entice your child to get outdoors. Plant a garden together in your backyard. Try building a fort. If someone in the family is handy with tools, consider making a tree fort.
Your child can have hours of fun creating imaginary worlds at home. Buy outdoor toys, such as balls, bats, and racquets to ensure there are plenty of options to captivate your child.
Involve other children in outdoor play
Encourage your child to enjoy the outdoors by inviting other children to join in. You can set up play dates with your child’s friends or neighborhood children. Always make sure there is adult supervision at your home when children come over to make sure everyone is safe.
If your child is playing at a friend’s or can go to the playground independently, you should check in regularly. It’s important that you know where your child is.
Branch out whenever possible
Weekends and vacations can open the door to more outdoor fun. Explore local and national parks. Embark on camping trips. Head to the beach. Feel the rush of whitewater rafting in California. Plan trips that revolve around the outdoors.
You could go to famous sites, such as the Grand Canyon or Old Faithful. Mount Rushmore can help you to blend in with history. Your child’s outdoor adventures can be educational as well. broadening horizons while being physically active.
Set a good example
If you want your child to embrace the outdoors, get outside too. Play outdoor games, hop on your bike. Go for walks. When your child sees that it is important to you, it will be important to your son or daughter as well. Most importantly, you will be spending time together.