Tips on how to get children outside and moving more
With all of today's entertainment options, it's easy for kids to stay indoors with a screen instead to go out in the nice weather. According to 1177, it is important to reduce screen time for children to about two hours a day to reduce stress and fatigue. Being outdoors a lot is also good, according to Trygg-Hansa and Steg För Hälsa, who describe how the vitamin D from sunlight, the lowered noise level with nature sounds in the background, together with the extra physical activity leads to reduced stress, better sleep, and better ability to concentrate.
Here are some ideas for outdoor activities you can do together:
- Play football or basketball. There is often a football pitch or basketball court close to wherever you are. It is then convenient to walk or cycle to the pitch and play some games with the children. They are fun activities that can also be turned into other games, for example by trying to hit a certain part of the football goal or hitting the basket from a longer distance - so it's easy to vary. De can also be played without a real playing field :)
- Play volleyball or beach tennis. Fun sports that are sometimes forgotten, but can easily be done both with and without a playing field.
- Skipping rope and rock ring. Playing with skipping ropes and rock ring can be done in a mass different variations and can be a lot of fun.
- Play croquet or kubb. Outdoor games that are often forgotten, but are really fun. They practise precision and concentration. In croquet, you get the chance to build new fun courses for each game, and in kubb you get to you have the opportunity to change teams and pitch sizes frequently as the rounds can move quite quickly.
- Painting with crayons on asphalt. Drawing develops concentration and encourages creativity in children. In this way, you get all these good effects of draw while being outdoors and getting fresh air.
There are lots of fun things to do outdoors, but there are even more ways to make outdoor time part of your daily routine. For example, you can make a habit of cycling or walking to and from school, matesars house, training sessions, etc. As a babysitter or parent, you can make it a habit to walk or cycle instead for the car during pick-ups. It often takes a little longer to do it this way, but you get to spend precious minutes outdoors with each other!
Sources:
Bolin, M. Lööf, M. (15 April 2019). Children and screen time. 1177 Vårdguiden.
Neil, L. (20 September 2018). 7 reasons why colouring is good for your child. ABC Toys. https://www.abcleksaker.se/blogg/farglaggning-bra-barn-utveckling/
Steps for Health (17 September 2019). Why it is important for children to play outdoors. Steps for Health. https://stegforhalsa.se/leka-utomhus/
