Kids need kids to get outside.
It's 8am and my kids are out sledding with the neighborhood kids. They scurried out of their pajamas when a neighboring 8-year-old knocked on the door, sled in hand.
There's lots of talk about getting children outside to play. I've seen books lately that give parents tips for how to play outdoors with their kids. Anything that gets kids outside is good, but nothing beats another child.
Sometimes it seems like the 1950s on our block. Children 5 and up ride scooters and bikes up and down the sidewalk. This is a neighborhood where kids congregate in neighbors' yards and knock on each other's doors to go outside to play. The young ones (5-6) seek each other out, but often the play becomes a mix of ages, 5-12, whether it's a game of mud and sticks, baseball or leaf piles.
What does it take to get kids outside? Indoor screens can be so enticing. It's hard to compete. Swings and play structures are fine, but that's not what really draws kids out. All it takes is a child outside. Children are magnets for other children. All it takes in our neighborhood is three families who are comfortable with outdoor community play.
It starts with us. We need to loosen our reins and schedules and let kids outside. Start by finding a few allies, a neighborhood family who shares your goals of outdoor play. Maybe your neighborhood doesn't have this mindset yet. You can be the leader. Send your magnets into the world and draw other children outside.
Do you have allies in your neighborhood? What is your neighborhood mindset? Do you have a place where the children congregate?
We have no snow (yet) but leaf piles are still intact and will get kids away from the screens for a long time!! Taylor came over and played in the giant leaf pile with the dog for 2 hours! Jan
Leaf piles sound very seasonal! Enjoy the fun.
10-12 years ago, our neighborhood was pretty good for all the kids hanging out together outside. When most of them were under age 10, it was common to see 4, 5, or 6 of them outside playing some sort of kids' game. But when they get to junior high and high school, all the organized activities such as sports get in the way of neighborhood fun. But I see glimmers of hope around town with spontaneous groups of kids out in neighborhoods making their own fun.
Chris
So glad you are seeing "glimmers of hope" around town. Welcome words!
Yes! Children often inspire other children. There is no need for an adult to say, "why don't you try climbing that tree?" or "wouldn't it be nice to go sledding?" When they see other children doing it, that inspires them to try or to go out and play. Love this simple post.
- Angela Hanscom
Thanks, Angela! Love this - "children often inspire other children."
Great post - this is so true! We live in the country, so unfortunately we don't get any kids knocking on our doors spontaneously, but I do try to encourage outdoor play dates whenever I can. It's not easy, because few parents in our area share my enthusiasm for outdoor play in all weather.
I grew up in a similar area, so I know it's not always possible for kids to fall into play by knocking on doors. Good for you for encouraging good old play when you can!