No Kid Left Indoors

No child left outside... Kids these days have no reason to be outside. Homes are filled with speedy INTERNET connections, video games, movies and television shows. Going into the backyard to play has become a hassle for kids, instead of something that sprouts joy and creativity, and it needs to stop.

When I was young, I played outside. My parents set me to the woods to collect pine cones, and wildflowers, and I have many many memories of hiking alone on the search for fairies and gnomes. I climbed the trees in our yard to the tippy top, and held on for dear life while my parents watched from our porch. When I watched television it was the rare movie or show that I coveted, but I would much rather read or play than sit in front of the boob tube. When my daughter was born, I knew we would end up watching television, or playing computer games, but I also made it clear that we would spend hours outside each day.

Nature can be your kids playground. Go outside and tell them they have twenty minutes to explore...if an hour goes by, don't be surprised. Dirt, flowers, trees, pine cones, bugs, toads, and the likes all make for great imaginative play, and most children aren't afraid to get down and dirty to see them. Put together a scavenger hunt to see if your kids can identify the wild life in your yard - simple things like spying on a blue jay, or looking for rabbit dens can open a whole new world up that's terribly exciting.

If you are keen on buying some toys for your yard, try a sandbox or water table. These can be used to peak curiosity, and your kids will have a blast playing with water and sand to make castles. If your kids show an interest in gardening, get them such tools that are child friendly so that they can help you harvest veggies or plant flowers.

If you don't have a yard for your kids, head to a local park. This is the perfect opportunity to catch the suns rays, and to meet other parents. Many states with large cities have national wild life areas that offer fantastic programs for toddlers up to older kids that want to get back into nature. Check them out..you won't be disappointed!

Remember – everyone needs a balance. Going outside for an hour a day is a fantastic start, and you'll be surprised how enjoyable it is to get back to a simple life. Don't omit television or computer games, but cut back on the amount spent enjoying them, and opt for more hands on activities.