People ask me all the time how I convince my kids to be outside so much. The #1 thing I've learned in almost 8 years of trying to raise nature loving kids is that my children need to see me outside. They need to see me climbing and playing and enjoying being outdoors in all weather. They need to see me turn to nature when I'm stressed. As a parent, I need to choose family activities that prioritize moving through the outdoors and set firm boundaries on indoor distractions (goodbye excessive screen time). I need to cater to their interests in a way that changes their habitat and everyday routine to one that includes the outdoors, year round. Here are some tips on how to encourage your kids (or anyone in your household for that matter!) to spend more time outside. 1. Take everyday activities outside. Chopping vegetables, painting, eating lunch and even curling up to read a book together are some of the things that we choose to do outside whenever possible. 2. Be okay with dirt! Kids LOVE to get dirty! Give them a safe space to play in the mud without them worrying that they are going to get in trouble for wrecking a nice shirt. 3. Start fun family traditions that require being outside. Every year around Halloween, we go on a family nature walk in the woods wearing costumes. My kids get just as excited about our costume walk as they do about trick or treating. There is magic in pretending to be a lion or bumblebee or a fire breathing dragon in the woods. We have traditions that center around nature for Valentine's Day, Earth Day, Christmas and more. Create some for your family! 4. Go playground hunting! We are so lucky in Calgary that so many communities have wonderful playgrounds and there are endless options to explore. Every time I am in a new area of the city, I make sure to check out the map before I go and find a playground we've never been to. *This one is at Guardian Angel School in Aspen (SW) 5. Get outside in all weather. Your attitude towards the weather will determine theirs. If they only hear complaining about cold, snow and rain, they won't know the joy of splashing through puddles or catching snowflakes on their tongues! 6. Change your routine to #stackyourlife and require outdoor movement. We have chosen schools that are within walking distance of our home and used the half an hour between drop offs to walk through the woods. Other ideas? Walk as much as possible. Park a few blocks away from your destination. Park at a central location and walk to the post office, grocery store or restaurant. A bonus of bountiful outdoor time? My kids listen so much better, don't fight as much and sleep better when they have satisfied their need for movement and nature time. How do you get your kids outside? Share your ideas in the comments!
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AuthorRosanna Taylor, MSc, RES-CPT Archives
April 2024
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