How to Encourage Your Children to Spend Time Outside
Summer is just around the corner, so you might be thinking of ways to encourage your little ones to spend more time outdoors. We are living in the technological age, after all, and children aged 5-7 spend an average of 4 hours behind a screen every day.
Here, we will look at how your family can ditch the screen and have fun in the sun. But first, let’s look at some of the ways you can motivate your children to do just this.
How to encourage your children to go outside
Nowadays, children can be content playing inside on their various technological devices. If this is the case in your family, the thought of a digital detox might sound daunting. We’re here to tell you that it isn’t. In fact, with the right encouragement, any child can enjoy playing outside.
Minimise screentime for the whole family
The first thing you can do is limit the amount of time they spend behind a screen. This can be something simple and manageable, such as an hour in the evening or two on the weekend. Be warned: this only works if the whole family joins in. If you take this approach, children are less likely to see their restrictions as a punishment and more willingly explore the outdoors.
Learn to enjoy the outdoors in any weather
We all know that the Great British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times. It doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying the summer sun, it’s best to be prepared for a sudden visit from grey skies and rain clouds. So you can try to normalise being outside no matter the weather, splashing in puddles and playing in the rain – as long as they’re wearing children’s raincoats and wellies!
Create a unique outdoor activity jar
Sometimes the most difficult thing is deciding what activity to do. If you’re struggling to think of outdoor plans on the spot, create an outdoor activity jar and let the element of surprise take charge of your plans. These can be filled with adventures unique to your children’s personalities.
Fun activities for the whole family to enjoy
The fun begins once you convince your little ones to spend a day outside. Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can do as a family this summer.
Go on a woodland adventure
Just going on a walk isn’t enough. Children want to go on an adventure! You can plan a trip to your local woodland area, make a scavenger hunt, and watch your little ones have fun in the forest. This is also a great activity if you have a family pooch or two.
Start a family gardening club
The fun can also take place a little closer to home. Gardening is a great hobby for children and adults alike, so why not plant some seeds and watch your veggies come to life? This is a daily activity that will teach your child responsibility and routine.
Choosing playtime with friends
Spending time outside shouldn’t feel like a chore. To make sure your children are having fun in the fresh air, organise play dates with other families. Whether you’re planning to visit the beach or relax in the garden, life is always better with our friends.
Eat a delicious picnic in the park
Can you think of anything more characteristic of summer than a picnic? You can spend time preparing delicious foods with your children, such as sandwiches or fruit salads, and take them to your local park with some outside games, from football to racketball.
Join a sports club at school
Sports clubs are a great way for your little ones to blow off some steam after a day of classroom learning. This is also a chance to socialise with friends and learn new skills in the outdoors, whether they prefer rounders or cricket.
On a final note
As parents, you have the power to influence your children’s behaviour. A little encouragement can convince your little ones to spend time in the garden, at the park, or in the forest. It might be difficult to ditch the screen at first (and who can blame them?) but they won’t regret it. Which activities will you try first?
Cover photo By FamVeld on Canva
