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Expert: How To Get Your Children Into The Outdoors: Try These Tips to Get Kids Outside and Off Their Devices
Playing outside is more important than you’d think, especially for children. It improves their strength, coordination, and cognitive abilities, and helps children develop a healthy curiosity about the natural world. According to a study done by the World Health Organization, 80% of adolescents are not sufficiently active. With obesity being a serious health concern worldwide, playing outside also allows children to exercise naturally.
James Dooley from Soft Surfaces gives his top tips on how to coax your kids off their devices and into nature.
A New Generation Of iPad Kids
James says, ‘Whether we like it or not, technology surrounds us. Even at school, children are now using computers, iPads, or tablets on a daily basis. They are becoming increasingly used to staring at screens while sitting indoors, raising concerns among many parents regarding the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. It can be difficult to separate children from these devices which they have become so accustomed to from such a young age.’
James’ Tips For Playful Outdoor Adventures
James recommends these tips to get your children outside today:
Family Bonding Time
Color outdoor experiences in a positive light by making it a time when mommy and daddy aren’t working and can spend time as a family. Bring a picnic to the local park, or pack up the car for a fun camping trip. James says, ‘Even something as simple as stargazing in the back garden not only gets kids outside but also builds core memories in their childhood that they’ll never forget.’
Play Pretend
Children are naturally curious beings and will be led anywhere that sparks their imagination. Create a game or situation which can only be played outside. For example, encourage your kids to make a map and then take their scavenger hunt outside to search for buried treasure. Have them play flashlight tag or encourage them to use things found in nature (grass, rocks, etc.) to concoct a witches’ brew.
Have Outdoor Toys
Provide your children with toys that can only be enjoyed outside. ‘Whether it’s something as simple as a football or sandbox to something as elaborate as an outdoor playground,’ James says, ‘your kids will realize that they’ll probably have more fun flying through the air on a swinging rope or biking through the neighborhood park than tapping away on their iPad.’
Splash Zone!
There is nothing kids love more than splashing around in water! Once the weather warms up, make their dreams come true by allowing them time to run through the sprinklers, play with water guns, or toss around water balloons. Even on a rainy day, you could encourage them to button up their rain jacket, pull on their rubber boots, and go to town jumping through the neighbourhood puddles.
Join A Playgroup
Joining a playgroup is a great way for your kids to get outside while also socialising with other children. Not to mention, it also allows you to sit back and socialise with the other parents! James says, ‘You could meet up at a nearby park, playground, or nature reserve to allow both you and your children a chance to enjoy a pleasant afternoon outdoors.’
In today’s technology-driven world, where children are increasingly tethered to devices, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and imaginative play is essential. By reframing outdoor experiences as family bonding time and creating engaging activities that spark children’s curiosity, parents can instill a love for nature and create lasting memories. James says, ‘Parents can nurture their children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being by prioritizing outdoor play, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.’
About Soft Surfaces
Soft Surfaces Ltd, established in 1997, has a great deal of experience in dealing with various projects in the sports and play industry. Over the last ten years, the company has expanded rapidly to become one of the UK’s leading playground and sports facility installers. Soft Surfaces is committed to offering ‘Best Value’ through their commitment to technical excellence and wealth of in-house expertise. Our friendly, long-serving, knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your playground and impact-absorbing surface needs.
James Dooley is an experienced entrepreneur and backer of Soft Surfaces.
Sources
The World Health Organisation study was taken from here.
Thank you SoftSouce for this article
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
