Children were made for outdoor play

I don’t know about you, but growing up, my parents had to force us inside. We were “four-season” kids; every day, no matter the weather or temperature, we were outside for as long as possible. In fact, playing with the neighborhood kids on our street was my parents’ bribery tool to get us to complete our homework. Hardly ever did we sit inside to watch TV, play video games, or look at the computer screen.

Being in the great outdoors is primal for us, it’s something that comes as natural to us as breathing or needing water to survive. Remember learning in school that at one point we were nomadic creatures? Yes, we’ve evolved since then; however, it’s a reminder that the outdoors and movement are biologically a part of each of us.

Outdoor play is vital for a child’s development as it:

  • Promotes movement and activity, which supports everyone’s overall health.
  • Exposes children to the sun, which is a crucial component in making Vitamin D.
  • Encourages the development of executive functioning skills, which children need in order to navigate life daily.
  • Helps them to learn how to socialize and work together with other kids.
  • Allows them to take appropriate risks and learn boundaries.
  • Gives children a break from devices, and celebrates the beauty of just being a kid!

“The mud will wash off, but the memories will last a lifetime.”

-Anonymous

This family did it.  You can too!

Recently, we were approached by a teacher who had attended one of our trainings the year before.  We were utterly humbled to learn that our session had made her revamp her family’s entire approach to technology with a new rule: no technology on weekdays, and only some on the weekends.

What was most inspirational was that first, it had utterly transformed her children.  She said they enjoy playing outside so much now that most of the time when they are offered some tech time on the weekends, they refuse and make outside play choices instead.  Second, she had been so dumbfounded by the fact that they sleep so much better, are ready to go to bed, have fewer outbursts, and are hungry, hungry children at dinner time, that she easily talked all of their friends’ families into ditching their technology too.

This tech ditch didn’t happen a week ago or a month ago.  It happened last year.  And has been ongoing since.

Getting outside is easier than you might think

With over scheduling and the daily requirements of children, creating outdoor time is a challenge but kids should be outside for about three hours a day. The greatest part is it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, rather the complete opposite! Some great ideas on how to get some movement and fresh air include:

  • Have a super fun scavenger hunt.
  • Dig in the dirt or play in a mud kitchen.
  • Create an outdoor obstacle course.
  • Choose a game everyone likes to play or take turns choosing one.
  • Learn a new activity as a family or do something you don’t normally do, like fishing, canoeing or going for a hike.
  • Do an alphabet workout! Think of an exercise for every letter of your name and then spell it out.

Get more cool ideas here.

Need More Ideas?   Check these out.

123…Kindergarten! Snack-sized tidbits to help prepare preschoolers for elementary school

Whether you have a 2-year-old, a 5-year-old or something in between, Kindergarten is in their future. Getting ready for what lies ahead in the world of elementary excitement and learning is important, particularly at this crucial stage.

123 K is filled with snack-sized tools to get kids moving to support a world of learning by honing specific strengths for holding a pencil or sitting comfortably at a desk to motor patterns needed to support language and math.

Are you in? Then bring it on!  Get yours here.

If Broccoli Were A Cookie: Recipes to Expand Kids’ Palates One Teaspoon at a Time

Preschoolers are notorious for saying “YUCK!” to new foods, but that doesn’t mean they might not like getting messy making something new and in the process, tasting their handiwork. “If Broccoli Were a Cookie” is a collection of recipes that have been successfully replicated for more than a decade with hundreds of picky preschoolers. Incorporating math, language, science and social studies, we share our tips and tricks to engage young minds and small hands in the magical art of cooking.

With gorgeous photographs to tempt, fun facts to engage, conversation starters and tips to get little hands involved, you and your preschooler will delight in these delicious recipes designed to sway even the pickiest of eaters.

Get yours here.