Children spent so much time outside playing with their friends one or two generations ago. However, times have changed, and children spend more time watching television or playing video games. While such habits are part of modern society, kids need to go out more often to interact with their friends and nature.
As a parent, you should ensure that your children balance indoor and outdoor time. Here are a few tips for getting your kids to play outdoors.
1. Organize Outdoor Play Dates
Your child won’t enjoy playing in the outdoors if they don’t have friends to play with. However, you can fix this by inviting some of their friends for playdates.
Talk to your fellow parents and organize play dates for your children to meet, play and savor the outdoors. You’ll be surprised how many of your fellow parents wish their children spent more time playing outside.
Most Americans want their children to spend time outside, and you can find products online that will help your kids enjoy it. With $10.28 billion in furniture sales in the U.S., you can make your backyard fun and comfortable. if you can connect with like-minded parents, you’ll create fun activities for the playdates and have your children spend more time outside.
2. Set A Timer for Maximum Screentime
Screentime occupies most of your child’s time, and unless you regulate it, they’ll never get off that couch. With about $394 billion in home improvement sales in the U.S. in 2018, you certainly have comfortable furniture that your kids love. This means that more people continue spending too much time indoors. If your child is in this class of people, you need to create a schedule for how much screen time is allowed daily.
You can divide the extra hours between doing age-appropriate chores and playing outside.
Rather than imposing a schedule on your child, you can involve them in creating the schedule. Make them understand why they need to go out and play and encourage them to have fun. Stick to the schedule, and let the child understand that it’s in their best interest.
3. Equip Your Child to Play in the Backyard
Your child will only be excited about playing outdoors if they have fun activities to keep them busy. You can give them outdoor toys and playpens to use in the backyard. For instance, give them balls, sidewalk chalks, buckets, and paint. Encourage them to get creative out there.
You can also join in on the fun and make them see how fun it can be. Play ball games and pretend with them. If you do this constantly, your kids will get accustomed to going out to play whenever they can.
4. Create Entertainment Spots Outside
How will your child feel the urge to go outside and play if nothing is appealing there? You need to ensure that they have the same or more fun in the outdoors as they do when watching TV or playing video games.
You can create entertainment spots such as a trampoline, sandbox, or even a visit to the park. Identify what your child likes to do outdoors, and capitalize on that. If you don’t know what to place in your backyard for your child to play with, make Google your friend. After all, 49% of the search engine users say they use Google to find a new product or item.
You can also allow your child to invite friends over to play with their outdoor entertainment kits.
5. Involve Them In DIY Projects
Do you have a garden or a woodwork project you’re working on? Invite your child to take part in the project.
Teach your child how they can help you with the project, and let them have fun while doing it. They’ll start looking forward to going out and helping you instead of spending their time watching television or playing games.
Make the Outdoors Fun for Your Child
If your kid is spending too much time indoors, you need to encourage them to go outside and play. Create a schedule to help them manage their time, involve them in outdoor projects, and invite their friends for playdates.
Be part of the process and encourage your child to have as much fun outside.
