We all know getting outside with reluctant kids is not easy! No matter how much you love the great outdoors, this isn’t always the case with kids. They don’t appreciate nature they way adults do. That beautiful view doesn’t always mean that much to them. They don’t understand the benefits and in today’s modern world there is a lot available to them that offers entertainment right from the sofa.
Sometimes its hard for us to build up motivation to go out. Its no surprise really that children can lack motivation too. So when they are showing resistance, and you just can’t face another battle, how do you make getting outside with reluctant kids less stressful?
1. Pick your Moment
The worst time to try and get your kids to leave the house is when they are tired. I have mentioned before in my helpful tips to get outside more blog, going out in the mornings is my preference. The mornings just so happen to be the best time for the kids too. After lunch they tend to be more tired and put up more resistance to going out. As you can imagine, your actual outing will be fair less stressful if your kids are well rested too.
2. Make it Fun
If you follow my Instagram, you will know I am an advocate for free play outdoors and this is definitely something you should allow time for. However in terms of actually getting them out the door, having something fun up your sleeve helps. Scavenger Hunts are great. You could suggest going out to play a game (hide and seek is always a winner) or have an activity in mind to do while you’re out such as blackberry picking!
3. Make it Routine
Having outdoor time as part of your routine helps motivation for both you and your kids. They will expect to be going out and if they expect it and understand that’s what happens every morning after breakfast (for example) you will be met with less resistance.
4. Do things they enjoy
We spend a lot of time in the park. Its not my favorite place to be but suggesting going to the park is usually met with far more enthusiasm than if I suggest a walk in the countryside. The same with suggesting 2 wheeled activities. Both my kids love their bikes, so suggesting a bike ride along our local beach is also, normally, a winner. These things might not be top of my list of things I would like us to be doing but at least it is outside. It’s what they say they want to do 95% of the time if I ask. Sometimes the simplicity of what they like to do is welcomed.
5. Don’t Push it
If you have manged to get them out the door and they still aren’t feeling it, turn around and go home. There is no point pushing it, it will make the whole thing un-enjoyable for everyone and the last think you want is to create negative connotations around going outside.
6. Model Behavior
Kids learn so much from how we act, they pick up on things we do and hear things we say (even if we think they can’t). If you find going outside a bit of a chore and you express this, your kids will likely do the same.
I hope these tips make getting outside with reluctant kids that little bit easier. If you found this blog helpful, please do share.