We've had some nice warm days lately, but my kids hardly ever want to play outside.
The other day I told them they had to play outside for at least 30 min.
When they are inside all they want to do is watch tv, or play video games.
When I was their ages I wanted to be outside ALL the time!
So I told them they had to play outside and when I peek out the door to check on them the little one 4/half years old was just sitting on the swing staring at the ground, and my oldest 7, was sitting on the porch steps staring at the ground, they acted like they were in trouble or something!! LOL
Is that wrong of me to make them play outside?

By Andi on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 03:49 pm:

I think that is great. Give them some colored Chalk and Bubbles to play with out there. Let the 4 1/2 year old finger paint and maybe the older one will want to join in. Hang a big sheet on a fence and fill spray bottles with colored water and let them spray the sheet. There are so many great things to do in the backyard when the weather is nice.
At our house it's hard to keep my 3 year old DS in the house, he loves to go out back and play with all is yard tools.

By Ladypeacek on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 04:36 pm:

sheesh, i can't keep mine in! She wants to be outside all the time! I think they do need it though, I don't think its healthy for kids to be at the computer, tv, or games all day! My dd also would love to be on the computer all the time but i am very strict about it, She can get on every day to make her moves in a games she is playing with my mom but other than that she is very limited!

By Coopaveryben on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 04:53 pm:

I make mine go outside, they usually want to though. I have three VERY ENERGETIC boys and if they don't go outside they are climbing the walls. I also think it is important that they learn to entertain themselves and use their imaginations without the aid of the computer or tv.

By Tink on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 05:45 pm:

My kids also love to be outside but I don't and didn't as a kid either unless I had something very specific to do. Give them something (Bubbles or sidewalk chalk are easy and economical) to start the process but make them use their imaginations. A blanket can turn into a tent or be the beginning of a teaparty picnic. My mom had to constantly provide a new activity for me and I think now that she was a great deal more patient with me than I would have been. One of the things I really didn't like was bright sunlight so maybe a pair of sunglasses that they only get while they are outside? Good luck.

By Mommyathome on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 06:12 pm:

My kids love to be outside as well. I usually have to make them come in so I can get things done inside. My girls are just getting old enough that they can play outside without me being out there, but I still check on them every few minutes.

By Debbie on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 07:05 pm:

My dks LOVE to be outside. I am so happy that the weather is getting nicer. We have been outside all this week. My boys like to play sports(soccer, catch, basketball), and to ride their bikes. We also have a neat wooden playset with a fort on top. I love being outside also, especially in the Spring and Fall when the weather is so nice.

I would definitely make my kids get some fresh air each day. I don't think you are doing anything wrong. Too much TV and video games is not good for them. Mara, do they have kids in the neighborhood to play with?? I would think that would make some difference. We have so many kids in our neighborhood that there is always someone for my dks to play with outside.

By Marcia on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 11:53 pm:

My kids love playing outside no matter what the weather is. I've had to keep them in a lot this winter, because it was far too cold for any human!! They're thrilled to be back out again!
I don't think you're wrong. They need the fresh air, and the vitamin D from the sun. Also the exercise.

By Mara on Friday, April 9, 2004 - 08:43 am:

Thanks ladies, at least I know that I'm not being a mean mommy
The boys were outside yesterday with the sidewalk chalk, I now have a VERY colorfull sidewalk!
Yes, there are 3 neighbor kids that my boys play with, they like going out when there is someone else to play with.
I still usually have to persuade my 7 year old to go out though, he is just such a home-body. But I agree with everyone else, being outside is good for them.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, April 9, 2004 - 10:56 am:

We need to get my 12yo some new rollerblades. Then I think she and her sister might be more interested in doing some outdoor activities. Without the dog to get us on walks now and then, we don't play outside that much.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, April 9, 2004 - 11:14 am:

About a month ago I couldn't get them to go outside, since then we have purchased a trampoline (with enclosure) and a kiddie pool, they are out there all the time. I have a bench swing that I sit on and do crafts, clip coupons, read the mail, talk on the phone pretty much just watch the kids play. If I am inside on the computer I can see them from my chair through the window. When they have friends over I do make them go outside because they will destroy the rooms if I don't.

By Mommmie on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 09:40 am:

I have several neighbors who make their kids play outside. They will just stay in and play video games otherwise. One mom said to her son, "You either play outside with the kids or you're grounded to your room." And he said he'd rather be grounded! That's a strong dislike of the great outdoors! Mine likes to play outside, I guess different kids are just different. If mine just wanted to play video games I'd make him play outside, too! I do try to make playing outdoors interesting in that I will drive them to a park/creek area and let them explore.

By Momaroze on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 05:44 pm:

My middle ds loves to play outside BUT only when I'm out there with him. He loves to play with the neighbours grandchildren outside when they are over. Very social guy. My eldest loves video games and the computer. It is extremely difficult to get him outside to ride his bike or whatever. Yes, I do have to insist they go outside sometimes too. It's good for them to get exercise and fresh air. It is so right of you to send them outside. You could never keep us kids inside of the house for long when I was growing up. I couldn't wait to get outside all day long!