Better moms take their kids.
In recent studies, results came back to show that children are growing less active, and more sedative. On top of that, study has also shown that parents are increasingly becoming less active, and both child and parent are spending the majority of their time on technological devices. Personally, I have seen so many situations where the only way a parent can calm a child down, or get the child to do a favor is to bribe with technological devices. (games, TV, social media, etc)
But parenting is HARD, and that's the way it has always been. The hope of this post is help parents understand the value that outdoor activity can have for bringing families closer. Here are a few ways getting out of the house can have a positive impact on children, adults, and families as a whole.
Being outside has immediate health benefits
There are instant health benefits for humans being outside. Just getting a few sun rays every day boosts moral, and is the ultimate way of getting vitamin C. For kids, playing outside of a home naturally helps build immune systems.... who wouldn't want that for their children!
Personally, being outside just feels natural, and helps me forget stressful worries that really don't matter. It might even help a stressed parent to take their kids to a place they can just run around for a long time, and give that parent time to decompress.
2. Families come together as they spend outdoor time together
Of course quality family time is a necessity for any family. There is no better way to spend that family time than on a hike, or relaxing on some sandy lakeside. Particularly in Southern Utah, there are so many excursions that are perfect for families of all ages to enjoy. In my life, as I left technology at home, and spent time with my family in the outdoors, I found real connection with those that I interacted with every day. I was more focused on the people around me, and less focused on beating the next level, or watching the next episode.
3. The outdoors create teaching opportunity
As a parent, every chance you can find to teach your child a valuable lesson is taken. Going on adventures with your children are some of the greatest ways to teach lessons that last lifetimes. In my life, some of my core memories come from lessons learned in the outdoors. Making mistakes create some of the best learning lessons, and going on a hike, or fishing allows children to make mistakes that are generally very safe.
So get outside, and look for outdoor opportunities for the whole family! Spend the time that makes relationships last forever.
Comments