Back in the day we were made to play outside all the time. When it was summer or a nice weekend, we knew for sure we would be kicked outside whether we wanted to go or not. Our mom would be cleaning, and we were supposed to be getting “fresh air”. If my neighborhood friends were able to play, I didn’t mind so much, but when they were busy or not home, I was bored out of my mind. Playing with my sister and brother was not an option I wanted to entertain back then, so my choices were limited, and I dreaded those days.
I remember sitting on the steps with the front door open and just the screen between me and the inside where I wanted to be. Mom was “airing out” the house and I would just keep asking through the screen if I could come back in yet. She would tell me no, and to go find something to do. Those were the good ‘ol days when parents didn’t care if their kids were bored or not and they definitely did not concern themselves with being their children’s entertainment directors like parents do now. Kicking us outside was good parenting even though I hated it.
Playing outside has changed a lot from when I used to do it, but it is still important to get your kids outside as often as possible. I do understand that there are reasons it is, arguably, more difficult for parents to ship their kids outside now than it used to be. Parents used to concern themselves with their child being “responsible” enough to go outside without them and now the concern is more for safety. My parents worried about things like my sister stealing the neighbor’s flowers, parents today worry about their child being taken. My parents worried that we would “wear out our welcome” at the neighbors, but parents now worry about distracted drivers while their child are walking or biking to the neighbors. I am a parent who worries (my kids will emphatically substantiate this);) but there are many, many ways to cautiously and safely get your kids outside.
Kids are also WAY overscheduled now which leaves far less time for playing outside. There have always been sports and activities to be involved in, but most kids didn’t do them all year long, and we definitely weren’t practicing every day after school and traveling out of town for games or tournaments every weekend. Overscheduling kids is a subject for another day, but know that all those “organized” activities that you have them in cut into the incredibly important opportunity for outside play. Yes, they may be getting a lot of fresh air and exercise, but that is still not the same as unstructured, free play. It’s very different actually.
Let’s not forget the kids that just don’t want to go outside. They can’t plug their Ps5 into a tree, so they aren’t interested in going outside. Devices are a big reason there is a decline in kids playing outside and that is an absolute shame. (If you have been following me for any length of time at all you know my feelings about kids and technology. Not a fan…) While I understand the safety concern aspect of kids going out less, the device one is a whole other issue. I would sooner have my child bored out of their mind, like I used to be, than let them rot inside looking at a screen all day. Believe that!!
You don’t have to look very hard to find research that shows the importance of kids playing outdoors. The health benefits from exercise, sun, and open air. The socialization and opportunities for “free” play. (Unstructured, spontaneous play that allows for curiosity, exploring and discovery.) It also helps kids to develop a better appreciation for nature, not to mention how it can strengthen muscles and bones and prevent obesity. The benefits to playing outside are endless.
An article I read, published in 2016, shared that one study said that 33% of children don’t play outside AT ALL after school and that 1/5th of children’s time after school is spent on a tablet or smartphone. Image what that number would be today. ☹ Our job as parents is to do everything in our power to raise physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually, healthy children. If you get your kids outside as often as possible, you are setting a good foundation for them in so many ways. If you can go out with them that is even better. Something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, or a visit to a park. Climbing trees, playing with sticks, throwing rocks, building forts, jumping in puddles. It’s all great stuff. Sidewalk chalk, hula hooping, jump rope, a bike ride, or roller blading around. I used to spend hours on my Pogo Stick trying to top my own records. Your kids will get creative and find things to do if given the opportunity.
If you already make an effort to get your kids outside, that’s fantastic! Keep it up! If you don’t, think about why that is (what is getting in the way?) and then come up with ways that you can work around that to make it happen. Our kids grew up on 5 acres with trails and trees and lots of room to roam so we were fortunate to have some “built in” outdoor options. But, regardless of how big or small your home or property is, you can always find ways to get your kids outdoors. I remember taking blankets outside growing up and for some reason playing Barbie’s outside on a blanket was more fun than regular old Barbie’s in the house. (Picnic style for toys instead of food, I guess.) So even if what you have is a little third story balcony, get your kids out there, make that fort, stack those blocks, and blow those bubbles. Outdoors > Indoors!
