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Depending on the weather in your region, spring may have fully sprung, summer temps have arrived, or you are still waiting for the temperature to climb higher. Either way, your kids have been on the couch all winter long, and it’s high time to coax them outside for some fresh air. But how?
Bribe Them
Well, not really. But why not entice them to play outside more with a new basketball, skateboard, or hockey net? Or better yet, get yourself in the game too with inexpensive tennis rackets to hit the ball back and forth on the street for some quick cardio and hand-eye coordination training. (I don’t have to remind you about bathing suit season, do I?) New sidewalk chalk, skipping rope, and bubbles are always a hit with the younger set.
Kids Attract Kids
My kids moan, “But there’s nobody else outside!” Do you remember as a kid when you’d look out and see some children on the street playing? Suddenly it seemed like a great idea to head out and join in with them. One kid out there can make all the difference. By getting your kids outside first, they may be the incentive for other children to venture outdoors, too.
And whatever happened to calling on a kid to come out? Teach yours how to politely ring a doorbell and ask a neighbour to come out and play. They may be surprised at how happy a child is to be asked.
Tech-Free Hour
If they won’t go out voluntarily, it’s time to play tough. Make a new rule: every day they must go completely technology-free, just for one hour. Even then it can be hard to steer them outdoors. Sometimes offering a hard choice works: they can either vacuum the house or go out and play. What would you choose? (Heck, even if they don’t go out, you get a clean carpet.) I find even the most unenthusiastic kid can figure out how to entertain themselves outside after a few minutes.
So no more excuses! Put on those running shoes and go out and play!