How to Get Your Kids More Active Outside of the Classroom – We all know that physical activity is essential for children. Not only does it have physical health benefits, but it can also help to improve cognitive development and mental well-being. Unfortunately, many kids are spending more time inside than outside these days, which can have a significant impact on their overall development. So what can parents do to encourage their children to be more active outside of the classroom? In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative ways to get your kids off the couch and out into nature. From outdoor activities to sports and beyond, read on to find out how you can get your kids more active outside of the classroom.
The Dangers of Too Much Screen Time
In the United States, children spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen, whether it’s a TV, computer, phone, or tablet. That’s more than twice the amount of time that they spend playing outside. And it’s not just American kids who are spending too much time indoors; it’s a global problem.
There are a number of dangers associated with too much screen time for kids. First, it can lead to obesity and other health problems. According to the World Health Organization, “obesity now affects over 41 million children under 5 years old worldwide – one in every eight children. Globally, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.” Obesity rates are rising even faster in developed countries like the United States, where “nearly one in five school-aged children (6-19 years) is obese.”
But it’s not just obesity that’s a concern; too much screen time has been linked to other health problems as well. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and depression. In fact, one study found that increased screen time was associated with a greater risk of suicide among teenagers.
It’s not just physical health that suffers when kids spend too much time in front of screens; their mental health does as well. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity.” Furthermore, kids who spend too much time online often don’t develop the communication skills they need for success in relationships and in their careers.
Finally, too much screen time can be detrimental to a child’s development of important life skills. Kids need to learn how to work with others, how to problem solve without the assistance of technology, and how to manage their emotions without the distraction of screens. They also need opportunities for creative play that will help them explore their environment and develop important motor skills.
It’s clear that too much screen time is bad for children’s physical health, mental health, and overall development. Therefore it is imperative that parents take steps to limit their kids’ screen time and encourage other activities such as outdoor play or reading books.
The Benefits of Getting Kids Outside
There are countless benefits to getting kids outside, including reducing screen time, improving mental and physical health, developing a connection with nature, and more. Below are some of the specific benefits of getting kids outside:
- Reducing Screen Time: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 2-5 should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day, while children ages 6 and up should have no more than 2 hours. By spending less time in front of screens, kids will be able to engage in other activities that are important for their development.
- Improving Mental Health: Being outside has been shown to improve moods and reduce stress levels. Kids who spend time outdoors are also less likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Physical Health Benefits: Spending time outside can help improve kids’ overall physical health. They will get fresh air and exercise while also being exposed to natural Vitamin D from the sun. This can help improve bone health, boost immunity, and lower blood pressure.
- Developing a Connection with Nature: It’s important for kids to develop a connection with nature as they grow up. By spending time outside, they will learn about the world around them and how to take care of it. This can instill a lifelong love for the environment in your child.
How to Get Your Kids More Active
Many schools are cutting physical education programs and recess time, which means kids are spending more time sitting and less time being active. Here are some tips for getting your kids more active outside of the classroom:
1. Limit screen time. Too much time spent in front of screens can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Try to limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.
2. Get them moving every day. Even if it’s just a short walk around the block, getting some daily exercise is important. Try to get your kids moving for at least 30 minutes each day.
3. Join a sports team or club. Doing something that they enjoy will make it more likely that your kids will stick with it. Joining a team will also help them develop social skills and make new friends.
4. Make it fun! If your kids see physical activity as something fun, they’re much more likely to want to do it. Try playing active games together as a family or turn everyday activities into opportunities to move (e.g., have a dance party in the living room).
Tips for Getting Kids Outside More
One of the best ways to get your kids more active outside of the classroom is to make sure they have plenty of opportunity to play. This means creating space in your yard for them to run around, or taking them to the park on a regular basis. You can also encourage them by being active yourself – set a good example and let them see that you enjoy being outside too!
Another great way to get your kids moving is to sign them up for sports teams or other group activities. These can be a great way for them to socialize and stay active at the same time. If you’re not sure where to start, ask their teacher or another parent for recommendations.
Finally, try to limit screen time as much as possible. This includes TV, computers, tablets, and phones. Too much time spent indoors can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, so it’s important to encourage outdoor activity instead. There are plenty of fun activities that don’t involve screens – get creative and see what you can come up with!
Final Note!
We hope this article has provided some helpful tips for getting your kids more active outside the classroom. We know that it can sometimes be difficult to encourage our children to get off their screens and out of their rooms, but with a little bit of creativity and imagination you can create fun activities that will keep them engaged and interested in being active outdoors. With regular exercise, fresh air, and plenty of time to explore nature, your kids will cultivate an appreciation for physical activity that they can carry on into adulthood.
Continue to check our website for more articles of this kind. And, please use our comment section as well, we would love to hear from you.
