Two Sure-Fire ways to get Children Outside and Moving
A well-known secret to living a mentally healthy life is fresh air. That might seem obvious but that’s not to say it’s easy to accomplish.
This is true from 1 to 99 years old and all the ages in-between; fresh air can change your body's chemical structure, improving mental health and wellness.
Now, more than ever, children's mental health and wellness need parental focus. Mental health should not be an afterthought, but rather a priority with clear actions.
Whether you are ordered to shelter in place or are choosing to stay home, the world today has created many more opportunities for inside activities, screen time, and less physical movement. It’s also created many more struggle-bus moments for parents trying to get their kids outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.
Having a neurodivergent child adds stress to any action requested by a parent, which can include asking the child to go outside. A seemingly simple request can quickly escalate into a full-blown meltdown, filled with anxiety, tears, and yelling.
But here’s a simple tip:
Don’t spend energy repeating yourself telling your children to, “Go out and play.” It’s no fun being a broken record, and eventually, you all become frustrated. Instead, try making outside time exciting, new, and entertaining.
Here are two of our favorite outdoor activities that are a sure-fire way to get the kids outside and moving.
Neighborhood treasure hunts: Grab a basket or a bag and head out for a walk. Collect items along your walk that might interest your child. Once your walk is complete return home and research a few of the treasures you found along your journey. Ask your child open-ended questions about their treasures.
Why do you think this eggshell is round?
What type of tree did this stick come from?
What type of flower is this?
They are not going to know the answers of course, but a simple google search can help them research their findings.
Alphabet Hunt: This is a favorite in our home. A simple search in nature for alphabet letters provides not only hours of outside fun but supports learning without my kids realizing it.
Go outside and start with letter A. Look for sticks, rocks leaves...that are shaped like the letter A. Once you have found that letter, move on to B and continue to work your way through the alphabet.
This activity not only supports their mental wellness, benefiting from fresh air, but it supports learning, by making it fun and interactive.
Remember, your family's mental health is oh, so important during times of uncertainty. Having a child who requires extra from you can be exhausting. But making outside a priority, and fun, can change the way your family functions as a unit and provide you a much-needed break from the stress.
Need more outside activity ideas? Click here to check out my activity book packed full of other fun outside ideas.