by Jo Ann Wentzel

Created on: April 12, 2011

Sometimes our children enjoy being inside so much that it is difficult to get them out of the house to get fresh air and exercise. This has probably gotten worse since our kids today have so many more options when it comes to staying inside. Once kids could play something quiet or read indoors, but now they can do almost anything inside, even sports with Wi.

The average child now has the equivalent of a small technology store in their bedroom. Most kids have a cell phone, a device to play music on, something to play video games on, a TV of their own and various other technological wonders.

Music is such a large part of many kids’ lives now that they must always have some playing as a background or backdrop to every other activity they engage in every day. Whether eating lunch or doing homework, some form or other of technology provides the sound they need.

The cell phone is a wonderful advancement for parents to keep track of their kids and their whereabouts, but it does take large amounts of time from their children’s day with all the texting going on and the constant calling.

Each part of this technological menu makes kids more interested in staying indoors and inactive. Parents must try to get them outside so they get the proper fresh air and sunshine for healthy bodies. The exercise they will only get outside is also vital to good health. Vitamin D from the sunshine is important for strong bones and normal growth.

To get kids outside, don’t just tell them to go out. Show them! Lead by example as you spend a percentage of most days outdoors. Exercise daily by walking or playing a sport, but do most of this outside so as to have healthy glowing skin and a well toned, fit body.

Invite your kids to go for a walk at least once a week; more often if you all enjoy walking. Add some activity to any picnic or barbeque such as a badminton game or volleyball. Play games as part of family time outside whenever the weather lets you. This is a healthy alternative to after dinner TV if everyone does not already have sports practices every day.

Require kids to do some chores outside because when kids need to work, most chores allow for an element of fun and play. If they are washing a car, water play becomes part of it. Raking leaves is the job, but, piles of leaves are hard to resist and jumping and crunching occur. The simplest chore can be made fun outside. They need to feel being outside is just like being inside and that there are outdoor activities that can be good for them and also fun.

Parents who make the outside area of their homes as inviting as the inside will get children to spend more time out there. So make the patio pleasant and let them take their books and music to the hammock or the chaise lounge. Encourage them to be outside by adding fun things to do such as a basketball hoop or volleyball net if you have room. Even an above ground swimming pool will be a healthy asset to have for the chance to exercise at home.

Kids must learn about nature early so the outdoors does not seem scary or alien to them. Cloistered children seldom learn the benefits of a healthy outdoor lifestyle.

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