any advice on how to get children more interested in playing outdoors?
@dnastrikeforce (91)
United States
March 16, 2007 10:37pm CST
I try daily to keep my two youngest boys interested in the outdoors. I believe I am finally getting my middle son to want to be outside on good days. However, I feel I am failing miserably with my youngest.
I play with them, and while I play with them they do stay interested. But once mom and/or dad is tired, our youngest is ready to go inside.
He is most interested in playing basketball. He does not have the slightest wish to learn to ride a bike and he is almost 9 years old.
I don't want to 'make' him do things outside, but I want him to be more active.
I realize every person is different and not all are the outdoorsy type, but I also know it isnt healthy.
I pride myself in being involved with my children. And I spend hours of quality time with them. But I really need some advice on my youngest son. Please help me and give me some ideas or am I worrying for nothing? He is not extremely overweight but he is bigger than he should be. I feel if I didn't force him to come have fun with us he would be extremely overweight.
Thank you in advance for any help on this!!
1 person likes this
1 response
@wmaharper (2316)
• United States
17 Mar 07
Well I think you need to keep him outdoors. Just because he doesn't prefer it, doesn't mean he can't be out there. The fresh air is good for him, even if he doesn't do much. My son loves it outdoors, but would always want me to play with him. I was very pregnant at the time, and uncomfortable and it was very hot out (100 degrees or so) So I would sit in a chair and watch him play in the sprinkler. He would say "momma come play" sometimes i would other times i just couldn't get up. (: I'm sure you know how that feels, he just eventually learned how to play by himself outdoors. It's never been a choice for him, when it's time to go outdoors to play, it's time. Also, we go for a lot of walks, and it's a great way to sneak in outdoor time.
To encourage him to want to play outdoors, maybe help him pick out some things that he can play with when he's outside. Kids love pools, or slip n slides, when it gets nice enough, maybe invest in these. Maybe he's hesitant to ride a bike because he lacks the confidence? Tell him a week beforehand, we're going to teach you how to ride a bike on Saturday, and then do it. When he knows how, it's an easy way to get the whole family outdoors, doing something healthy together. Good luck
