6 ways to encourage your children to play outdoors

Although modern technology brings some incredible things to the world, it has had some unfortunate consequences for younger generations.
According to statistics:-

• Children consume at least 3 hours of media a day
• 65% of children under the age of 8 watch TV lately
• Every day, children under 8 spend around 25 minutes playing video games
• Children begin watching TV at around 9 months of age

These statistics aren't that shocking or worrying for most households, but the problem lies in using too much technology. Although many children will use technology in a balanced way, unfortunately some may become addicted, or at least prefer indoor technology over spending time in the real world. This is detrimental to children because they need outdoor play to develop and thrive.

Playing outdoors gives children the opportunity to play using a multitude of senses and skills at the same time. They are required to be physical, to observe, to touch and feel, to be social, to build and imagine. Being outdoors they can also respond to the stimulus and actually exaggerated movements, and run around and be messy and explore. This in turn leads them to move more, which helps them avoid being part of the obesity epidemic. Currently 9.6% of children in reception classes are obese, and around 35% of children in their final year of primary school are obese.

A lot of time outdoors builds great lifestyle habits in general, encouraging more time moving and less time sitting down. Children also get more vitamin D and they learn to manage their emotions better releasing energy outdoors. They even learn to heal from stress and trauma better according to studies which showed free play can help children heal from stress and trauma in the same way crying does.

There is every reason to encourage children to play outdoors, and as parents, we can actively encourage outdoor play daily. Of course, it is easier said than done, especially if you have children fond of the latest addictive computer game Fortnite. But, it can be done, especially with the help of these tips:

1. Take Indoor Toys Outdoors

There will be toys your children love to play with anywhere, so an easy way to get them to play outdoors is to simply put some of their favourite toys outdoors. Building blocks, dolls, teddies and pretend cooking sets all bring a whole new world of possibilities when taken outdoors.

2. Extend Your Indoor Space

Consider external bifold doors or similar accessories to make your outdoor space an extension of your indoor areas. For example: if your living room opens out onto the patio, it will be natural for your children to use that space to play as well as the inside of the house, especially if it has weather protection.

3. Get Everybody Outdoors

If you tell your child to play outdoors, especially an only child, they may be drawn to being around everybody else. So if you are inside, they might want to be where you are. The solution to this problem is to get everybody outdoors. Even if it is just for half an hour to eat or just to be outside together, it will feel much more natural and normal for your child if everybody is there.

4. Let Them Make Your Garden Theirs

A garden doesn't have to be pristine to be child-friendly, it just needs to have their touch. Perhaps one afternoon you can paint plant pots together, and another day you can plant vegetables that they will be 'in charge' of looking after. Let them have some say over how the space is used and they will be much more likely to see it as 'their space' to play in.

5. Let Them Be Messy

To make garden playtime special the kids need to be able to do something there that can't do in the house. Why not let them be messy? Making mud pies, leaf cocktails and getting wet and grubby is a lot of fun for a child, and it is up to us adults not to stress about the mess.

6. Spend Time In Different Outdoor Environments

Spending time in a range of outdoor environments like hills, forests, marshlands and beaches, will inspire your child. All the new and exciting outdoor environments hold a world of possibilities with imaginative play, and with discovery. Even if it is just a new local park or a walk by the canal to spot fish, it is all an adventure to a small child who has so much yet to experience in life.

All those hours exploring the great outdoors made me more resilient and confident - David Suzuki

Spending time outdoors is a great idea for the whole family, but especially for children who benefit from being in nature in so many ways. Go on adventure trips, explore your local area and make your garden a wonderful al fresco play area for your children. You'll all benefit from a deeper connection to the outdoors, and by utilising precious outdoor space that is now going to be a hub of memory making.