| Have you noticed a change in the amount of time | | | | part of your daily fitness regime. Not only will you |
| your children are involved in outdoor play compared | | | | benefit healthwise, you will also be making time to |
| to when you were a child? For most of us the | | | | talk to and be with your child on a regular basis. |
| answer is yes, mainly due to the advancement of all | | | | Teach them how to play some of the games that |
| things electronic that require a power point to | | | | you grew up playing. Trust me when I say your |
| connect into. But it doesn't have to be that way. | | | | child will love you for it. |
| If your child is a couch potato then here are a few | | | | Having equipment to play with in the backyard will |
| suggestions for getting them away from the | | | | help encourage children outdoors but doesn't need to |
| television and outside again. | | | | be expensive either. For pre-schoolers a sandpit will |
| It is a good idea to make outdoor play time a regular | | | | keep them occupied for hours. Older children enjoy |
| part of your child's daily routine. Have them go | | | | ball games, bikes, skipping ropes and hopscotch. If |
| outside for a minimum half an hour as soon as they | | | | you have the room, a trampoline, swing set or |
| get home from school. Let them know that the | | | | basketball hoop are great entertainers. There are also |
| Play Station and Xbox will be available to them only | | | | games like hide-and-seek that require no equipment, |
| after they have had their outdoor play time. If you | | | | just imagination. |
| are consistent and disciplined with this rule your | | | | We all know that outdoor play is important for a |
| children will adapt quickly. | | | | child's development both physically and emotionally |
| Of course outdoor play by yourself is not much fun. | | | | but it won't happen unless we are willing to make |
| If your child doesn't have siblings then encourage | | | | some changes. Let's make it a priority to get our |
| friends to come over. But don't forget that Moms | | | | children enjoying the fresh air again and we will all |
| and Dads make great playmates too. Think of it as | | | | reap the benefits. |