Do you believe your youngster is spending too much time in front of a screen? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most youngsters spend five to seven hours a day staring at a screen. Unfortunately, all of that sedentary screen time might increase children’s chance of developing physical and mental health problems such as obesity, anxiety, sadness, and even sleep disorders.
However, lowering your child’s chance of developing screen-related health problems is rather straightforward. Even better, you don’t have to keep all types of technology away from your child in order to complete the task. How do you go about it? Encourage your youngster to substitute green time for some of their regular screen time!
Rather than allowing your children to sit in front of a television, smartphone, or tablet, try to instil in them a desire to be outside and play. Here are five simple methods to do so.
1. Provide your child with some cool “safety” gear
It’s no secret that the world may be a dangerous place for children these days. And, while you may be concerned about allowing your children to play freely outside, the health advantages far exceed the possible concerns. However, as a parent, it might be difficult to relax your guard, which is where smart children’s safety gear can come in handy.
What type of safety equipment is this? A smartwatch for children. But not any ordinary wristwatch, since giving your youngster an ordinary timepiece negates the objective of restricting screen time. Instead of a traditional smartwatch, you may gift your child what is commonly referred to as a “safe” smartwatch. This no-frills piece of technology allows you to track your child’s location regardless of where they are playing outside.
Your child may enjoy playing in the great outdoors while wearing a wristwatch for kids, giving you peace of mind that he or she is safe. Your child can use the watch to call or text, but social media, gaming, the internet, and other apps are not supported.
2. Lead by Example
Setting an example may be the most effective strategy to encourage your children to engage in outdoor play. As you are well aware, children do not always listen to what their parents say, but they are constantly observing what their parents do. So, if you’re trying to bring your kids outside but you’re usually inside, your kids will most likely follow suit.
Rather than encouraging your children to enjoy the outdoors but not yourself, encourage the entire family to participate. Get outside and invite your children to join you! You may go on a walk, play hide & seek, or go on a treasure hunt. What is most important here is that you participate on a regular basis. Showing your child that you, too, are dedicated to limiting their screen time can inspire them to do the same.
3. Plan Play Dates
There are probably other parents in your circle who want to limit their children’s screen usage, so why not collaborate? Call around to see who is interested, and then ask other children and parents to join you and your family on your outdoor activities.
Take your kids to a park, an outdoor obstacle course, a lake, or a hiking route – the possibilities are nearly limitless. You’ll get some adult catch-up time while your children connect, cooperate, and play together in a revitalising and refreshing natural setting.
4. Involve Your Child in Organized Sports
Signing your child up for organised activities such as soccer, track, cycling or football is a great way to get them outside and active. A team sport will not only get your child moving, but it will also help your child develop collaborative abilities that they will utilise throughout their lives.
Team sports help children establish friends and develop vital social skills that they will take with them for many years. They also assist children in maintaining their physical health and exploring possible talents that they might develop as they enter their adolescent years.
As an added benefit, sports coaches will not allow screens on the field or court, so practises and games will be completely screen-free.
5. Go on weekend road trips
Do your children spend their two weekly days off from school glued to a screen? You may easily remedy this by organising and carrying out weekend road excursions with the entire family! To reduce screen time, use a paper map instead of a map app, and educate your children how to navigate without using a device.
Why not visit a location that you’ve always wanted to see? Alternatively, schedule a weekend excursion to a location chosen by your child. Whatever you select, make sure it includes lots of time in nature. Plan a guided tour, an informative expedition, or simply a simple trip to the forest or the beach to play in the sand.
Encouraging your youngster to spend time outside does not have to be tough — but getting there will demand effort. Make a plan for screen-free time outside, stick to it, and you might be amazed at how eagerly your youngster participates in.
