Let’s face it, in a world of TV, internet, and video games, sometimes it’s hard to get kids to go outside for long periods of time and enjoy the natural endorphins. It’s also difficult when children really only have their own patch of grass to play on since, like myself, most Moms don’t feel safe letting their children roam the streets or go exploring in random neighborhoods. Our children can easily become “diagnosed” with what Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder refers to as “Nature Deficit Disorder.”
However, going outside and enjoying nature has so many benefits for children. Richard Louv stated, “Unlike television, nature does not steal time, it amplifies it. Nature offers healing for a child in a destructive family or neighborhood… Nature inspires creativity in a child by demanding visualization and a full use of senses…In nature a child finds freedom, fantasy, and privacy.”
Your children are more likely to remember the experiences they have outside because they are engaging all of their senses. As a child, some of my favorite and most vivid memories were spent outside camping, biking, or even playing on the front lawn. This summer, I have been trying to find creative ways to encourage my children to go outside and enjoy nature. Here are some of the ideas we have been trying to do:
- Ditch the minivan- Walk with your children to school, a friend’s house, or other places. Just the other day, my kids and walked several blocks to a nearby toy store and back.
- Eat outside on a table or a blanket- I love eating outside! There’s something so refreshing about it. So we have a table & chair set up under our patio to eat on whenever we get the whim.
- Provide outdoor toys or equipment to encourage outdoor play- Our trampoline and swing set are priceless! Small & simple items like slip n’ slides, plastic pools, sidewalk chalk or even a small shovel to dig in the dirt can be all a child needs for an afternoon of fun in the sun.
- Go on after-dinner walks- Walk off your meal (and tire out your kids before bed!) by taking an evening stroll together as a family
- Have a camp-out in the backyard- Sometimes camping can be difficult with young children so we love to have a simple camp-out in our own backyard. My kids think this is such fun!
- Offer certain snacks that can be only be eaten outdoors- Whenever our kids want a popsicle, they know they have to eat it outside. This is a sneaky way to get them to play outside.
- Bundle up- Don’t let rain or snow get in the way of your fun! Children love to play in puddles or snow.
Go outside with them- I’ve noticed that if I am outside with my kids, they will stay out much longer. The endorphins and fresh air are beneficial to Mamas too!
- Read to your children outside- We’ve brought stacks of books out on the porch swing or a blanket and read for long periods of time outside
- Go fishing- Going on a fishing trip can be an excellent time for teaching your children about nature, safety, and ultimately getting along with family members in a different environment. My children love to go fishing!
As mothers, we try hard to provide memories that our children will be fond of. Encouraging outdoor experiences can help your child more vividly remember those times spent together. WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO PLAY OUTSIDE AND ENJOY NATURE?
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