If you ask my children, one phrase that they heard from me, it’s “ get outside“. It has been ingrained in our family for 30 years and will continue to be so.  We fell that encouraging children to spend time outside offers numerous benefits.  It is key to their physical, mental and emotional well being and also keeps the house clean. But, by not telling your kids to get outside, you may be doing your child a disservice. 

Obviously, those that know us, a big reason for getting them out is to reduce their desire to be on devices or watching TV.  Overt use of screen time has been shown to impede healthy development in children, promotes obesity, and interferes with mental health.  We limit our children to 1 hour, and they do not get phones until age 15 1/2.  

I know people say, “when I was little we didn’t come home until the streetlights came on…”. Growing up, we had to be home at 5 and could go out after dinner in the summertime.  But, the outside was a draw.  We were conditioned to want to go out, and it wasn’t just because my dad said “get outside.” It was part of our DNA. 

Encouraging children to spend time outside offers numerous benefits. Obviously, being physically active is number one on the list.  Outdoor activities promote physical exercise and help children develop healthy habits. Regular physical activity can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, improve coordination and balance, and reduce the risk of obesity.   Also, exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bone development and overall immune system function. Spending time outside exposes children to natural sunlight, supporting their vitamin D levels.

The mental aspect is great too.  Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mental health and reduced stress levels in children. Nature and fresh air can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Outdoor play also stimulates the release of endorphins, which can boost happiness and overall well-being.

There are bonus skills that are acquired and will also will enhance your children’s life. Going outside usually involves one or more other children. Interaction with their peers, siblings, and other children in the neighborhood. It helps develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, negotiation, and sharing. Outdoor play fosters teamwork and promotes the development of friendships. 

Being outside will also make your child smarter.  Playing outside provides opportunities for children to engage in imaginative and unstructured play. It stimulates creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking as they navigate the natural environment. Interacting with nature also enhances attention span and cognitive abilities.   They also will probably make a connection with the outdoor world which could foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward the planet. 

It’s important for parents to balance outdoor time with appropriate safety precautions, supervision, and age-appropriate activities.   It is a rare sight to see kids outside or packs of them on bikes these days.  Most parents cite their fear of strangers.  The sensational coverage of child abduction in the 80s and 90s along with Stranger danger which was a big push in the early 2000s could be a factor.  I am not going to say that you shouldn’t be vigilant with your kids but stranger abduction make up less that 1% of all abductions of children.  

Is your child safer being inside all day?   According to the CDC, child mortality rates have been cut in half and missing children rates are down 40% since the 1990s.  They state abductions are very rare.   And according to Psychology Today, children are safer outside than staying inside;  physically, mentally and physiologically.

That is not to say that you should not give your children the tools to keep them safe.  Children, 10 and under, need a lot more supervision.  But if you want to let your children roam, with instruction and awareness, go for it.  You should be aware of the status of the neighborhood you live.  Yes, teach them about stranger danger and what to do if they feel that they are threatened.  If you allow them to leave the yard, it is easier to keep track of them today than even 10 years ago.   GPS watches or geo tags are readily available, and if they are indeed allowed a phone, there are many apps for that also. We are not encouraging your children to be like feral cats, but with guidelines they can expand their arena and healthfulness.  

Getting outside is, and always will be, a requirement for a happy and healthy childhood.  Of course, work with in the boundaries of your being comfortable with the process.  But, get used to saying “Get outside!”