Many people experience problems when it comes to getting their kiddos to go outside and play in the wintertime. Of course, there are those parents that have absolutely no problem with this whatsoever, but for the majority of us it can be tough. I say this because our kids are so distracted with all the indoor luxuries that they just don’t have the desire to go outside anymore. Instead they want to stay inside where it’s warm and comfortable. They want to play their game system, the computer, listen to the iPod, watch a movie or do anything else that doesn’t require them to go outside.
These things aren’t necessarily bad, in moderation. They just don’t promote healthy activity in our children. Which is why it’s important to get kids outside – even in the winter, but how are you supposed to do that? Well, you will most likely have to get involved in this. Below you will find several ideas.
Go to a Park:
Yeah, I know – it’s cold and snowy outside. Why would you want to take your kids to the park? Well, just because it’s cold and snowy outside doesn’t mean there aren’t animals still living in the park. Not only do these animals want to keep warm, but they want to eat too. You children will have fun bringing bird seed for the birds and bread in case they spot some ducks.
Have a Scavenger Hunt:
This may take some creativity on your part, but it will be well worth it. Create a scavenger hunt for your children to do in the back yard or neighborhood park…or, you could make the hunt begin in your back yard and continue throughout your neighborhood ending at the park. It’s entirely up to you. What you will have to do is come up with several clues. Each clue will lead to the next clue – the clues need to be hidden, but able to be found by reading and analyzing the previous clue. You can make the scavenger hunt a team hunt where your children can work together, or you could make the hunt a race, and whoever wins gets the prize. You need to have a prize, because without it your children won’t see the point in doing the hunt and will be disappointed when it’s over.
Create an Obstacle Course:
You will have to spend a little time outside in advance preparing the course, but you can create an obstacle course in your back yard and have your children race through it. Let whoever wins pick what’s for lunch or what afternoon movie everyone will go see.
There are tons of ways to get your children outside during the winter months. Some parents think that when kids play outside they have to be outside for hours. This isn’t true, just 10 to 15 minutes will get them the Vitamin D they need from the sun and improve their moods!
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