Compared to past generations, children nowadays spend many of their waking hours inside the house, practically motionless as they use their smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other gadgets. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children aged 8 to 12 in the United States spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per day in front of a screen. Instead of going outside to play with friends, many kids opt to play virtually or spend time with their social media peers. As a result of their poor sleep habits and sedentary lifestyles, they are more prone to developing sleep and weight issues, behavioral problems, and other physical and mental health concerns.
In a time dominated by excessive use of technology, getting children to spend more time outside—whether in the backyard or the local park—is more crucial than ever. After all, multiple studies have shown that kids who play outdoors are more focused, creative, less stressed, and happier than those who are always cooped up indoors. If you want to tear your child away from screens and encourage them to appreciate the outdoors, you may want to consider the tips we will be sharing in this guide
Choose the Right Clothing for Your Child
One of the most effective ways to help your child develop a liking for outdoor activities is by ensuring that they have a comfortable experience. If they feel too cold, too hot, clammy, or muggy, they would probably hate the idea of leaving home even more. As such, you should dress your child appropriately to protect them from the elements. For instance, if the days are bright and warm, dress them up in light cotton clothes to keep them comfy. You can add more layers during cooler weather to help them stay warm. For foot gear, make sure to invest in some kid’s antimicrobial socks and waterproof shoes. Antimicrobial socks help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and thus make for a more sanitary footwear environment, while waterproof shoes should allow your little one to walk in mud and muck without trouble.
Invite Other Kids
Although you can be a lovely playmate, your child will probably want to play with other kids, too. Entice your kid to put down their gadget and go outside by inviting other children over. You can set up a treasure hunt in the backyard or similar exciting activities that will keep the kids engaged for many hours, having a great time. Besides getting much-needed sunlight and fresh air, your child can also improve their social skills and develop positive relationships when you let them mingle with their peers. Don’t forget to prepare tasty snacks and refreshing beverages to make the day even more satisfying and memorable.
Invest in Outdoor Tools
Show your child that real-life exploration is much more thrilling than any online “adventure” game by investing in various tools that can help them discover the magnificence of nature. For starters, you can give them a pair of kid-friendly binoculars that they can use for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, or other outdoor adventures. Just tell them not to use it to look at the sun! Other tools that could entice your child to explore many things beyond the confines of your home include a magnifying glass, a bucket and a shovel, a bug catcher, and a butterfly net. Make sure to teach your child the importance of releasing the bugs they catch after they’re done observing or drawing them.
Engage in Creative Activities
Perhaps your child likes to do arts and crafts at home instead of going outside to play. If so, you can encourage them to use various items from nature to create their artworks. For instance, you can ask them to pick different types of leaves or berries that they crush and use as paint. You can also urge them to collect rocks in various shapes and sizes, twigs, pinecones, and other items that they can take pictures of or draw in their sketchbook. Visit parks, gardens, or go on a nature hike so that your child will learn that the outdoors have tons of remarkable things to offer.
Bring the Indoors Outside
Instead of staying at home during the weekends, make it a habit to make these relaxing days more special by bringing the indoors outside. Spread a picnic mat out in your yard and take your meals there. Even better, go on a camping trip from time to time. Try encouraging your child to study and do their homework underneath the trees. You can also ask your little one to lie down with you underneath the sky and identify the shapes of the clouds. If they want to use their electronic devices, you can ask them to take photos of different flowers, plants, bugs, and other creatures that they can post online.
Teach Your Child the Old Ways
You probably have warm memories of all the games and sports you played outdoors when you were little. So, why don’t you share these experiences with your child? Gather old cardboard boxes and teach your kid how to build a fort. You can also teach them how to skate, throw a ball, or jump in a pile of leaves. If you enjoyed such activities as a kid, then your child will most likely love them, too.
Be a Role Model
If you want your child to develop a healthy appreciation for the outdoors, you should love going outside yourself. Keep in mind that your kid learns more from your actions than your words. How can your child understand the beauty of the bright sun and fresh air when you’re always on the couch watching television? Whether you go out to hike, to go fishing, or to simply stay still to watch the birds and the butterflies, try spending time outside with your little one rather than waiting for them to experience the outdoors during a school activity or during an outing with their friends.
From improving physical and mental health and overall well-being to fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence, spending time outdoors offers multiple benefits to a growing child that no amount of digital technology can replicate. This is why you should do everything you can to ensure that your child discovers the beauty and grandeur of nature instead of just being glued to TV and phone screens. Try the ideas discussed above for starters and continue to find other ways to make the outdoors more fun and exciting for your little one.
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