Children Need To Be Outside: How To Encourage Your Kids To Play Outside

The What:

When I was a young girl, everyone I knew played outside every chance that was given! We played with cousins, neighbors (if we had them), or right by ourselves if need be. The only rules were to be in before supper, don’t leave the area, run from strangers, and just say no to drugs!! Recently, I spent some time with my nieces and nephews and suggested that we all go out to play freeze tag, one of my favorites from my youth. I was met with such a hostile reaction that I was shocked! They were completely opposed to being outside, much less running around! It seemed that they just wanted to be indoors, on separate devices, enjoying the air conditioning. I don’t blame them, I enjoy my climate-controlled environment and my devices as well! However, according to this article,  children should be outside for at least three hours a day! Back when I was a child, this wouldn’t have seemed like a lot. But now, knowing how busy families are and how short or non-existent recess is, it seems impossible to get them outside for that long! But research has proved that children need to be outside!

The Why:

There are plenty of benefits of outdoor play. There are benefits to the child, the family, parents, school, and community just by getting outdoors. Most research shows that the following aspects of life are improved as children get outside to play:

The list of benefits could go on and on! Now that you recognize the value of outdoor play, let’s talk about how to get them outdoors because children need to be outside!

The How:

There is school, homework, extracurriculars, sports, church activities, jobs, chores, and many, many more activities to take care of on any given day! So you may be asking, “How”? How do you fit three additional hours of outdoor play to the family calendar?! Well, below are six tips to helping you get them outside to play!

Met your family where they are

If you’re a family that already spends a lot of time outside, then that is great! Maybe see where you can continue to promote independent play outside. However, if you have a family that rarely goes outside, then start small. Just pick one thing or one time frame to go outside as a family, and then you can increase gradually! Rome was not built in a day! Give yourself some grace!

Make it a family affair

Especially since it is getting warmer outside, begin to plan family activities out of doors. Possibly add in daily family walks or trips to the park.

Implement screen free time

Once the devices are off, then independent play or conversation may begin. Once the screens are off, it is easier to encourage them to go outside to stave off boredom.

Find or create a “safe zone” for outdoor play

In some neighborhoods, there may be limited outdoor space. In these situations, find a safe area for play and deem that the play area. Make sure you set safety rules, monitor your children, and change things if it becomes unsafe. This may be an opportunity to join in with neighbors and create a time for a few families to spend time outside together. Safety is always a priority.

Set reminders

On most smartphones, you can create a reminder. Set one (or a few) up to remind you of the importance of kids being outside, and then take action. Children need to be outside!

Make an activity list

As you start planning to be outdoors more, you may find it challenging to know what to do outside. Children have amazing imagination if we just let them go. Put together a list of activities your kids enjoy so they can choose easily. However, if you are trying to be more directive or even planning family activities, here is a short list of ideas:

The bottom line is that children need to get outside and play! It can be incredibly difficult to find the time and energy to make this happen, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. As you take on this challenge, it can be a tough transition, but with perseverance and some grace, you will find that your kids are outside more and more! Let’s face it, children need to be outside!

If you have a hard time creating rules, setting boundaries, or communicating with your family about this or other issues, we can help! Our trained, compassionate staff can help guide you to the life that you want and deserve to live. Call or go online to schedule today