Join the Outdoor Play Movement

Play Outdoors is proud to feature guest author Bethe Almeras!

The call to “Go play outside!” has quieted over the years. The past two-decades have brought a dramatic 50% decrease in the amount of time American kids are spending outdoors (Hofferth & Sandberg, 2001). We have also seen a steep increase in the amount of time kids are plugged-in – watching TV and playing video games or surfing the internet – more than 6 hours a day, according to the Keiser Family Foundation. At the same time, we have seen a sharp increase in childhood and teen obesity rates, as well as the diagnosis and medication for childhood ADHD, depression, and anxiety (NIH News, 2005; CDC, 2005). Sobering stuff, to say the least.

That’s bad news, considering that unstructured play time outdoors and time spent in nature is exactly what the doctor ordered! Kids who play outdoors on a regular basis have stronger immune systems, are more fit, experience reduced stress levels, and have more active and creative imaginations (Fjotoft, 2004; Burndette &Whitaker, 2005). Now that’s more like it!

So, right here and now, I’m asking you to join the movement to get kids and adults back outside again – to help us reverse the trend of today’s “indoor child,” and build a happier, healthier society.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Join the conversation. The more people we have talking about this issue in a variety of social media outlets and one-on-one conversations, the better. The first step to changing behavior is awareness building.  Let’s get to it!
• If you have kids, make it a priority to get them outdoors. This can become a habit, just like video game playing has in many homes.
• If you don’t have kids, consider becoming a mentor to a child and sharing the experience on that level.
• Support your local, state, and national parks. Use and enjoy these amazing resources.
• Attend your city planning commission meetings and stay informed on voting issues related to greenspace, traffic patterns, development, and related issues.
• Monitor your own unplugged vs. plugged-in time.  Model a balanced lifestyle with plenty of time outdoors.  As we all know, you can’t just “talk the talk,” you have to “walk the walk!”

The best thing about this movement is this simple fact: Playing outdoors is FUN! It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family or grab a few minutes on your own. You can improve your own physical, mental, and emotional well-being along with the children in your world. The benefits are endless, much like the amount of beauty that Mother Nature has in store for you.

So I ask you: What are you waiting for? Go outside and play!  Let’s kick it old school and bring this long-forgotten phrase back to every household in America. Who’s with me?!

Bethe Almeras is an educator, writer, and blogger and certified 100% kid at heart. She writes The Grass Stain Guru, a daily blog about restoring childhood, and saving ourselves in the process. Follow Bethe on Twitter.

Comments

[The Campfire Blog]

@Jim @smashadv,
We agree that getting kids outdoors and knowing they prefer it is certainly something to be proud of! Thank you for sharing.

[Jim @smashadv]

When I was a kid, the outdoors unlocked everything. Our daughters would rather be outdoors than anything else, and I'm proud of that. Great post.