1 of 53

Write now Article Tools

In today's modern times technology is every where. Our children will spend most of their days with some sort of electronic devise holding their attention. From televisions to computers children are plugged in and tuned out. So what can parents do to help guide their children away from the constant electronics and back towards some old fashioned fun?

Richard Louv in his book "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder" shares some of the endless potential that nature holds. Going outside and exploring nature seems to have a calming and uplifting effect on children. Especially those who have spent most of their time stuck indoors. Many parents after reading his book unplugged the machines and booted their kids outside. Unfortunately after living in a world of the flashing images and nonstop action found on most TV screens many children were lost for something to do. Rather than just push them out into the world of nature parents can help them learn to become a part of it. Here are a few simple ideas that you can do with your children once you have them outside. Though some children may protest at first that it is boring, once they brush off the old habits they will find themselves far more entertained than they ever were.

Help your children build something they can call their own. A tree house, a fort, or a small hideout that they can call their very own. It does not take much. Some wood and nails, and plenty of imagination. Having a special place all of their own that they can go to is a great way to get them outside. It can become a place to go to when they need to think, a hang out for friends, and a launching pad for their imagination to bloom. And without access to electricity they are limited to what they can carry with them. While some may bring along many electronic gadgets at first over time the call of their own imagination will take hold. Find a perfect spot, some scrap lumber, and spend the weekend together building something they can call their own.

There are many great hobbies that you can encourage your children to take up that keep them outside also. Some may enjoy watching birds or collecting interesting insects while others may find flying toy airplanes a rewarding experience. Children who are handy with tools could enjoy making small boats to float in ponds and lakes. Even encouraging them to take up a sport can b the perfect way to gt them outside. Baseball, basketball, and hockey are a few of the many physical activities your children could spend their free time doing rather than sitting inside in front of a screen.

Some children are more artistically inclined. Parents should encourage their talents while still getting them outside. Often nature has been the biggest inspiration for artists. Taking your children on nature walks helps them to see and feel the natural world around them. The sounds of twigs breaking, the colors of leaves, and the smell of flowers can be the perfect inspiration. Bring along sketch books and pencils for children who enjoy visual arts. Carry a small recorder to capture the sounds of nature for musical children to enjoy. Or even allow them to bring their instruments if it is reasonable to do so. Parents might be surprised at how inspired their children can be after a short time outside.

With so many children spending their day watching the television or locked into their computers getting outside is very important. Being out in nature can be relaxing, invigorating, and inspiring to young children. Taking time to do just a few activities outside with your children may lead to them being drawn towards nature more and more. It does not take much to have fun outside, but children do need to be shown how.

Learn more about this author, Summer Minor.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Good, old-fashioned fun for children: Activities that don't involve TV or a computer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!