How to Get Your Kids Outside This Summer
By Genevieve Cunningham
Once upon a time, kids would never dream of spending their summer indoors. At the very first opportunity, they would be out the door and would scarcely be seen again until the school year started. But in today’s world, getting kids outdoors is a serious challenge! Long gone are the days of picnics, sunburns, and friendly neighborhood games of kickball. Now? It’s video games, Netflix binges, and staying in the air conditioned house. Unfortunately, this switch in lifestyle for children has caused a bit of harm to their health and well-being. If you would like to turn your children's health around and get them outdoors this summer, take a look at these tips to help you do it.
Banish Screens
The biggest reason that kids no longer go outdoors is because of screens. But guess what … you’re the adult! Turn off the TV, take away the phone, and limit their screen time in a significant way. At first, they’ll think they’re being tortured, but kids are resilient. They’ll soon find other things to do, and they may even wander outside to do it. Screen time can be good, but it can also be really, really bad. Limit it, and you will probably have healthier and happier kids every day.
Get Involved
Monkey see, monkey do. Do you spend all of your summer hours indoors? Well then your kids will, too! If you want them to get outside, you may have to get out there first. Take your kids camping. Play a game of soccer in the backyard. Plan and plant a garden. The more you get outside and lead by example, the more likely it is that your kids will finally give in and do it, too.
Use a Reward System
If all else fails, use a reward system to get your kids outside. If they really love their screens, allow them a show … after they’ve been outside and active for a certain amount of time. Maybe they want to go to the movies with their friends. Great! But make them spend a certain amount of time exercising outdoors first. Kids learn fast and adapt even faster. Give them some rules, and they’ll play along in order to get the rewards that they want.
Getting outdoors is so great for health. It can boost everything about well-being -- physically, emotionally, and mentally. Use these tips to get your kids outside this summer. It may be a struggle in the beginning, but with some patience and consistency, you may find happier and healthier kids by the summer’s end.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brownsville, Tex.