Importance of the Outdoors for Children



Nowadays, everyone you cross paths with seems to be glued to their tech devices. From children watching videos on tablets to mothers sharing on social media, it seems like everyone is wrapped up in a digital world. We’ve all come to know and love these devices; mobile phones have gone from a luxury to a staple. But while we enjoy the convenience of the digital world, it’s important that we don’t stray too far from the natural world -- or let our kids.

Tech device usage can greatly benefit our children. The internet offers our kids learning opportunities at the tips of their little fingers. While this is a fantastic privilege, there’s no reason our children shouldn’t be able to balance indoor and outdoor play. The great outdoors are here to stay -- and the kids will never have to wait for bike paths or cool lakes to charge, unlike their tablets or cellphones.

Respect the outdoors


Our everyday conveniences are slowly, but surely, taking a toll on the environment. It’s important that our children learn to respect nature. After all, they are the generation of the future. Environmental issues seem to rise and rise even today; I can’t imagine what the state will be when our children’s children roam the planet. Instill a love of nature in your children at an early age. Volunteer for cleanup crews to teach them not to litter. Plant gardens with your little ones to show them how rewarding it is to nurture a living thing with their own hands. A child who can have fun outdoors while helping the environment will never be bored!

All the world’s a gym

Our children’s lives are rooted in convenience. So much information is available to them without even leaving the couch, much less leaving the house. But don’t let them rely on this privilege. Only laziness and lack of motivation can come from this. If you tell your kids that you’re taking them to the gym, you can expect moans, groans and drawn out “aw, come on!”s. But if you tell your kids that you’re going to take them kayaking or for a bike ride, you’ll probably hear a totally different tune. Teach your children to keep in shape and active all while having fun outdoors.

Family fun

And, of course, there’s tons of fun to be had with family! Let the outdoors be a sanctuary for family fun. Make annual camping trips a tradition. A getaway in the forest will provide your family with a unique bonding experience. Teach your children how to build a fire, fish, kayak, and more -- as a family. Finishing the fifth level in their favorite video game will pale in comparison to vivid memories of the laughs and love shared around a campfire.

Create real memories with rewarding lessons -- your kids will thank you!

Connect with Paulette Dotson on Pinterest and across other social media sites for family fun ideas and ways to enjoy the outdoors.

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