Children don’t spend as much time outdoors as they once did in the not-too-distant past. The lure of television, computers and new technologies keeps many youngsters glued to these devices at every free waking moment. My kids are no exception – every since they discovered YouTube and gaming they ask for them as soon as they get home from school, and have to be lured away on many occasions. As a family, you can all get outdoors and have fun.
Balance is Key
While there is nothing wrong with playing an occasional Rock Band tournament or having a Pokemon Battle with a bunch of friends, kids who become isolated by technology are more likely to develop compulsivity problems in the future. Furthermore, they miss out on key social development opportunities. Maintaining a balance between inside play, outdoor play, school work, and other activities is the key to raising a healthy child.
Just as a child who spends all their time outdoors with no time on a computer will be at a disadvantage compared to others in terms of their computer skills. Children need a balance of all activities in order to gain the necessary skills in all areas.
The Outdoors is a Giant Science Lab
Participating in outdoor activities is essential for children of all ages, fresh air, exercise, and sunlight are things which help them to thrive. Whether your child is fascinated with butterflies and their infinite varieties or loves to find interesting rocks and stones, a parent can help them to research a hobby, purchase supplies or kits for collecting specimens and give them whatever other resources and support they need to dive into their hobby.
Both my children love bug hunting and also gardening, by involving them in our planting, feeding and harvesting our fruits and vegetables it helps to teach them about nature and nurture, patience and also about where our foods come from.
Living in close proximity to water is perfect for budding bird enthusiasts. Whether lake, river or ocean, birds and wildlife are abundant sources of interesting experiments and scientific study. Let children dictate the direction they take by their own curiosity and interests. An ant farm is not the ideal tool if the child is afraid of insects.
Young children will enjoy the fun of collecting things. Finding books to support a new collection will turn this activity into a valuable learning experience, whether it is different types of leaves, rocks or shells. Teach them very early about bad plants and dangerous insects or animals to be wary of before allowing them to embark on a hunt of their own.
Allow Technology to Supplement Outdoor Activities
If your child loves computers then they can be used as a tool to research outdoor activities, look up different types of butterflies and then go and find them, check out when is best to plant your next vegetables in the garden or even head out together to go Pokemon hunting – there is nothing to say that these two hobbies can’t be combined.
Combining fun outdoor activities with other children as well as including their favourite technological tools, can help children to experience a broad scope of learning opportunities outside the classroom setting. Parents who provide a wide array of experiences to the child will be rewarded when the child is satisfied and content with his activities.
With the warmer weather now upon us there is so much fun to be had outdoors, but of course, do ensure you have suncreams on the kids and you, you all keep hydrated and most of all – ALL HAVE FUN.
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