Getting Kids Outside

Tired of seeing your kids sitting for hours in front of the television or totally immersed in their PlayStation? Sure! But what actually happens when you ask them to turn it off? Usually, nothing. And that's the problem. Kids need about 2 hours of physical activity every day.

How to get them off it and outside? Well, the best method is to set a time limit on the amount of TV or computer games they use. Please note, I said "or," not "both." An hour a day is plenty for kids of all ages. Less is even better. TV has no place in the learning domain of children younger than 1 year. They have so much to learn from their world, the people in it, and the goings-on around them that TV is not needed.

It's worth remembering at this point that you are the parent, and at times that means making your own judgments and decisions and sticking to them for the benefit of your child. Hopefully, you are wisely choosing what programs are suitable for that hour, and "Home and Away" isn't one of them, no matter what your child says to the contrary.

A warning that the hour is nearly up is a sensible way to let your child know it is nearly time to turn it off...5 minutes before is enough. Setting a timer is always helpful. Then, on the hour, ask your child once to turn it off. And once only, or else you become the nag of "turn that TV off, now." Then, take action – it's time to stop what you're doing and go over and turn it off yourself.

Now, to get them outside? Simply make the commitment to go yourself. If you join in and initiate a game of soccer, jump on that trampoline, and look like you're having fun, in no time at all they will join you. Take yourself outside. You'll be surprised at how effective it is.

Nicole Pierotti

Originally Published: April 21, 2019

Last Edited: May 31, 2023