Helping Your Kids to Discover the Outdoors

Most  people will agree that children these days need to play outside more. It's one of those few noncontroversial parenting topics. But even for nature lovers it can be easier said than done. Recently I read an article in Salt Lake Tribune by Melissa Rayworth, that gave some ideas to overcome obstacles to your children discovering the outdoors.

• Team up with other parents of children in the neighborhood to take turns supervising outdoor play.
• Have outdoor picnics after work.
• Research your neighborhood. What are the crime stats? How safe is it? Is there something that can be done to improve the safety?
• Mandate that every hour of screen time is balanced by an hour of play time. Stick to it.
• Take a walk after the rain. Point out the changes in the environment.
• Offer open-ended toys that encourage creativity- i.e. a ball, a magnifying glass, a shovel and spade, etc.
• Accept the fact that your kids are going to get dirty. Don't make a big deal of it.
• Start a tiny garden, even if it's only a couple seeds, it gives you the opportunity to teach your children about how things grow.
• Don't wait until you have a full day free. Even if it's 15 minutes an small outdoor excursion is beneficial for your kids.