I am so fortunate. My kids love to play outside and I don’t think that’s ever going to change, at least I hope not. As soon as they get home from school I hear ‘can we go to such and so’s house and see if they can play’. Magic to my ears. CLIF Kid is dedicated to reclaiming play by encouraging boys and girls everywhere to get back outside, push their boundaries and feed their adventures. Here are a few ways that I encourage my kids to play outside:
No video games during the school week.
It helps that we have no video games during the week and before school in the morning they can not watch TV. I’ve learned my lessons and it’s so much easier for them to stay focused and get ready without the distraction. Now, if they have time, they shoot some hoops before they see the bus turn the corner. I remember playing outside when I was a kid. There was a tree out front that I use to climb all the time and wait for my sister to get home from school. Did you know that 70% of moms played outside when they were kids and only 31% of their kids play outside today? Wow!
Involve them in sports or extracurricular activities.
My son has a Parkour class during the week and my daughter a gymnastics class. I know you’re saying ‘well that’s not outdoors’ but it filters outside. They are constantly going out to tumble, jump, flip, and to show everyone what they learned and to practice. They also have baseball and basketball during different seasons too and enjoy eating CLIF Kid Zbars for a snack which have important nutrients for active kids. They could not wait to dive into the boxes I was sent and deemed the chocolate chip their favorite. I like that they are made with organic ingredients and have no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors (or synthetic preservatives).
Go outdoors with them and explore.
I live in an area that has invested in many local parks and outdoor areas. We actually live behind a soccer complex and they recently built a bike path that connects to smaller paths and goes to the river. We go on walks and often enjoy free concerts by the riverfront as a family. Play is disappearing at home, in school and in communities. Balanced and active play lays the foundation for a skilled, healthy, resilient and successful society.
How do you get your kids to go outside and unplug? Watch the CLIF Kid ‘Come Out to Play’ video and let us know what you think!
I know when I was growing up it was unusual to find any of the kids indoors. We were all outside playing.
yum, we love cliff bars! Well have to try the kids kind 🙂
I watch my grandkids before and after school and try to follow the no TV or video games policy but keep busy with outdoor activities and art projects.
Mmmm!! They sound fabulous!! My son and I are always out and about and are looking for nutrition and protein packed treats!!
I love this, I think more parents should be doing this, I have said this so many times, when children come home from school, don’t let them go to the tv or video games, save that maybe for the weekends or something special, Spend that time with them outside, its still nice out so out and enjoy it with them..
@tisonlyme143
The bars sound like they’d be really good for my grandson–thanks!