Please excuse us – we are about to have a “Hey, you kids! Get off my lawn!” moment. Are we the only ones who feel like kids today are far more likely to play indoors with electronics and technology than outside with nature and, dare we say it, their imaginations?
As children, we didn’t realize all of the benefits we received from playing outside, which include improved concentration, better motor coordination and improved overall cognitive functioning. We simply didn’t have all of the options available to kids today so we headed outside until the streetlights came on.
If you miss the “good ol’ days” and wish your children could have the same love and appreciation for being outside that you did when you were their age, not to mention all of the other physical and mental benefits, then the Washington Post has 10 tips for you.
Here, we share a few of our favorites:
Be in Nature: Simply going outside and playing in the yard helps kids expand their creativity by letting them explore and create a game or adventure.
Sleep Outside: Do you have a tent? That’s all you need. You don’t need to go out to a campsite, just set up in your backyard with a sleeping bag and a flashlight. Research has found that sleeping outside helps reset circadian rhythms (internal clocks that tell you when to sleep and regulates the body).
Plant Something: You and your child can plant fun fruits, vegetables, and flowers almost anywhere. You can let your child prepare the soil, plant the seeds and water the plant. It gets them outside, teaches them about where food comes from and how to take care of something other than themselves. (And, added bonus for those of you trying to teach them responsibility – flowers are a whole lot easier than a puppy!)
Explore a pond or a stream: Kids can use shovels to find creatures or small pebbles, learn about fish or just have fun splashing around in the mud and the water. Bring some toys and a change of clothes because playing in the mud can get a little messy.
Take a Hike: Going for hikes is a fun way to explore nature. There are plenty of things to learn about: trees, mammals, insects, etc. Here are some places to hike in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Remember that your kids are looking to you to set the example. If you love nature and spending time outside, chances are they will, too. Besides, you’re never too old to go outside to play. To see the other five tips, visit the Washington Post.
