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Kids need to play outside more, especially in the days of technology.
I mean we are surrounded by tech. It’s literally all around us. But even so, getting kids outside has so many benefits.
I remember when I was growing up my parents always encouraged me to keep wondering and create my own adventures. I used to hunt for bugs and roll down hills and get my dresses really dirty… those were the good old days.
It’s hard to get kids outside when screens are all around us. We have YouTube, video games, tv shows, movies, social media and so much more. But technology has an addictive element to it, and it prevents kids and adults from tuning into their needs.
For example, if I let my kids play video games for too long, they don’t even realize that they haven’t eaten in 4 hours, or even gone to the bathroom.
This book Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Creates Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.is actually a really good read, and it’s all about playing outside and getting kids off the couch. the author goes over how the screen addictions kids are facing is causing serious sensory disorders.
Spending time outside is good for everyone’s health and from experience, it helps kids get a good nights sleep as well!
Reason 1- Nature and Fresh air Is Great For Regulating emotions
Nature is soothing. It’s therapeutic. It restores your natural balance. You only need to walk in it. Our bodies are organically evolved to interact with their surroundings.
Movement and outdoor play aid in the regulation of our emotions. Physical activity helps to develop the vestibular system, which is responsible for the body’s balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system feeds into the limbic system, which is the emotional center of the body.
Reason 2 – It Promotes creativity
Kids frequently say that spending time outside is boring or unpleasant. Hanscom recommends encouraging your children to be inspired by their surroundings.
To stimulate their imaginations, include some age-appropriate supplies and instruments.
Place various adult goods, like as dishes or cookware, near mud puddles. Bring pulley baskets, string, and scissors, or planks and trucks by a slow-moving river.
Giving children things speeds up the process of being creative and coming up with outside activities.
Invite friends for a (socially-distanced) day of outdoor play rather than just a few hours, giving children time to inspire one another and come up with ideas for their findings.
Reason 3 – It Enhances mindfulness
Time spent in nature brings us back to the present moment by removing distractions and allowing us to focus on the sights, sounds, and fragrances around us.
Even if your child is hesitant, coax them out the door to explore a nearby trail or simply relax outside in the shade with you.
Play Ideas For Outside
- Blow bubbles – or get a bubble machine
- Create an obstacle course with materials you have at home
- Create a scavenger hunt
- Play tag
- Throw a frisbee
- Kick a ball
- Play catch
- Throw water balloons (they have reusable ones so you don’t harm the environment)
- Have a picnic
- Paint kindness rocks
- Fly a kite
- Make a bird feeder
These are only a few suggestions to get you started. There are numerous creative activities and enjoyable games that might inspire children to take a break from their screens. What are your favorite outdoor activities for your kids?