Playing inside the house was unheard of thirty or forty years ago. Children would always go outside to play, sometimes for up to two hours every day. It's a different story nowadays. Kids aren't playing outside nearly as much as they should be because of all the electronics, screens, and gadgets. 43 percent of kids would rather stay inside and play with technology than go outdoors and play in the fresh air.
So, how can you persuade your children to abandon their screens in favour of the garden? Outside play is an essential aspect of a child's development. It gives them the flexibility to explore the natural world, strengthen and coordinate their bodies, and healthily burn energy. Following are some ways you could encourage your kids to play outdoors:
1. Begin small: Have you got a backyard? If that's the case, start there rather than taking your child to a public location like a park, which is more out of their comfort zone and likely to overwhelm them. Keep an eye on them in case they find themselves in any trouble or need to go to the potty, but otherwise, try to keep them outside until they are exhausted. To assist your youngster to adjust to the outside world, including items that resemble streets, such as toy traffic signs.
2. Make it enjoyable: Depending on your child's age, introducing a little pretend play is a surefire way to get their imaginations going. Would they be interested in using a map to search for buried treasure? Perhaps they'd prefer to believe they're in the jungle, attempting to cross a river to reach the other side? Creating innovative, exciting games that can only be played outside is a terrific way to bring your kids outside and cultivate their sense of enjoyment.
3. Make it a routine: A basic routine, whatever your schedule, is a great approach to teach kids that being outside is about more than just getting from point A to point B. Take a brief walk in the morning or evening — it's a great way to get some fresh air while also sending a clear signal to children that the day is beginning or ending. This can help you organise your day and is beneficial to everyone. Whether the sun is rising or setting, there will always be colourful leaves to collect!
4. Give children enjoyable outdoor toys: Include outdoor toys to make the outdoors world more appealing to your youngsters. Consider cubby homes, balancing bikes, ride-on kid’s toys, push and pull baby toys, pedal cars and ride-on, and even teepees. This will make a significant impact on your child, particularly if he or she is shy or frightened about going outside. It will also serve as a safe extension of your home, allowing them to feel protected.
5. Make it a family activity: If your children spend the majority of their week with one parent, make the outdoors a time for family connection, where they may enjoy playing outside with everyone. Family bike vacations or trekking will help children associate the outdoors with good and meaningful family time, and they will learn from your example as a parent. You might even make a family calendar with outdoor activities and different parks to visit in the region.
6. Bring their favourite indoor toys outside: Many children may appreciate being able to take something from inside their home outside to feel more at ease. As long as it's not a screen, their favourite indoor toy is a great place to start. It might be Lego, building blocks, puzzles, costumes, board games or anything else that is weatherproof.
7. Include them in regular, outdoor activities: Start involving the kids in outdoor duties like cleaning the patio furniture, washing the dog, feeding the pets, putting laundry on the line, and light gardening or weeding. Allow them to accompany you about with a miniature wheelbarrow so that kids feel important while assisting mom or dad with outdoor tasks.
8. Your companion is water: If it's summer, and the weather is pleasant, water is a terrific reason to let your kids run about outside. Sprinklers, water cannons, toy tugboats, and other such items are excellent methods to inspire your children to enjoy and experience nature.
Each child has a distinct personality that influences how they play and interact with other children and the environment in which they feel most at ease. If you’re looking for a place to purchase outdoor games like the ones mentioned above, check out FunCorp at www.funcorp.in!
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