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It’s pretty easy to get your toddler to agree to going outside to the playground, but tweens and teens are a little bit of a different story.
Many teenagers want to stay home or go out with their friends, and many suggestions that my parents had for me I rejected right away.
If my friends came up with the same idea though, I was always game!
But today, parents have it even worse because teens are glued to their cell phones talking to their friends and playing their games.
Getting kids off of their devices and out into the world shouldn’t have to be a fight…here are a few tips to make it easier.
How To get your teens and tweens into the great outdoors
discuss the health benefits of fresh air
I know it seems monotonous, but even teens need to hear that being outside and doing physical activity is important for their health now and in the future.
They may not care (or pretend not to care) right now, but if we continue to repeat these messages, they will eventually become part of their inner voice.
Limit Screens
Few children successfully self-regulate when it comes to video games or social media, so learn about and use the parental controls on your child’s electronic devices.
I like to keep track of all the screen time each family member has using the apps on our phones, and this really helps us take a look at our screen habits and help us make changes as a family.
Reward Your child For Going Outside
I know it sounds a bit silly, but you can get your child to spend more time outside with less fighting if they get more screen time or get to play with a friends once they reach their daily fresh air quota.
Making it a family rule that each family member must spend at least 1 hour outside per day is a great place to start.
Play Together
Yes, I understand that some teenagers would sooner die than be seen playing with their parents, but up to a certain age, many secretly like it as well.
Your teen may be uninterested in going for a walk in general, but if you bring a ball along, things may change.
Mine is usually up for a game of tag, sledding, or a snowball war, and I try to enjoy it while I can.
Create Goals
While younger children are frequently content to play in the backyard with no particular goals, older children are more driven by having a goal, such as trekking up a mountain or riding their bikes to a specific place.
Taking your kids to a new location to explore is a great way to get them to enjoy the great outdoors.
Invite Friends
A great way to tweens and teens to spend more time outside is by having a friend around.
Ask your child is they want to bring a friend to the river or on a hike. Even take a friend camping if you can! Things are always more fun with friends around.
Give them some space too
Spend as much time as possible outside as a family, but keep in mind that your child’s need for independence is rising. The more freedom you offer them to do their own thing outside, the more likely they will be to explore it.
You can allow your child to take the dog for a walk on their own or play with a friend outside without your presence.
When I was around 10 years old, I would leave the house with my bike in the morning and not come back inside until dark. My one rule was to check in every few hours, which looked like me poking my head into the front door and shouting “I’m checking in!” waiting for an “ok!” and then running back outside again.
Mind you I lived in a smaller town, but still – that was the life!
Invite them To Start A hobby
There are so many great things people can do outdoors. My personal favorite was taking photos of nature and I started this hobby when I was just 13.
Maybe your tween or teen would enjoy bird watching, running, or starting a garden. You never know! Try a few new activities and see if they stick and become a hobby.
If you struggle getting your tweens or teens to spend more time outside, I hope some of these tips can help you.