Nearly 50 percent of parents feel their kids are addicted to their cell phones, and a staggering 62 percent of parents say their children have even used them to watch inappropriate videos on YouTube.
These statistics don’t just represent teens, either. “Tweens” aged 10 and under were also included in this research. What makes this even more disturbing is that the evidence from these studies suggests this electronic connection can cause depression, a decrease in attention span (which can elevate symptoms of ADD), and obesity.
A poll conducted by the Nature Conservancy in the US indicates 49 percent of kids don’t go outside because they aren’t interested in nature — but as a parent, it’s your responsibility to get your kids more excited about spending time outdoors. Here’s how you can do just that.
Install a Swing Set in Your Backyard
Installing a swing set or play-set is a great way to lure your kids outdoors while keeping them active and promoting social interaction with others — it can even have a calming effect!
There are several models that have additional bells and whistles such as slides, rings, and playhouses, so if you want to keep your kids from becoming bored, this may be a good direction to go.
Go for a Family Bike Ride
Making outdoor time a family affair can emphasize bonding time instead of making your kids feel like you’re forcing them to spend time outside.
Riding a bike is a great way to see a lot of territory quickly, so you can choose a different route each time to keep things interesting. However, if everyone doesn’t own a bike, you can adopt the same ritual by walking or rollerblading.
Cruise through a forest preserve or park (national or local) if you live nearby to one, and pause for a picnic. Use this time as an opportunity to discuss the various elements around you, such as the different types of trees and birds.
Get a Dog
When you own a dog, there’s no escaping the outdoors. Install a fence in the backyard and encourage your kids to play with the pooch — just make sure you get a breed that’s good with children.
If you have teenagers, encourage them to take the dog for a walk. Alternatively, take one together as a family if you have little ones.
Just keep in mind that owning a pet is a big responsibility, so make sure you’re ready to commit for the long term before bringing a furry friend into your home.
Fly a Drone
What better way to combine the fun of tech with being outdoors than piloting a drone with your kids? Drone flying has educational value as well because kids can improve their risk-assessment and fine-motor skills.
Look for kid-friendly models because not all drones are suitable to be operated by children.
Head Out at Night
Outdoor time is not reserved for daytime alone. Head out at dusk and capture a sunset. Monitor what’s happening within the solar system and view the moon or a meteor shower — or get a chart and try to identify the constellations.
Create Activities
Whether you stay in your own backyard, go camping, or head to a nature preserve, get creative by presenting your kids with some educational, yet fun, outdoor activities.
For example, leaf and bug identification, birding, observing different flowers, etc. Providing you’re not in a protected area, let your kids collect various items so they can make a collage at home.
In an effort to make it easier for you to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors, establish rules about electronics — but make sure you follow them, too.
Scheduling tech-free family activities can help with this transition. Once your children get into the groove, you’re liable to see improvements in their personality and health. Just remember to make sure outdoor time is coupled with proper sun protection.