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Submitted 2011-05-13 16:31:32
People love to play. Play is so old it predates humanity. Nearly every mammal on Earth can be seen playing. If a person says he or she does not like playing, they either haven't found the right game, or they've just plain forgotten how (and need to relearn!). Everyone is worried about how kids are constantly "plugged in" using smart phones, gaming systems, and computers, and many young adults are nearly unable to survive without a constant "I.V. drip" of internet. So parents are looking for ways unplug themselves and their children, and enjoy some time together.
Especially for families with kids that are teens or younger, a little will power on the part of the parents and some time in the great outdoors can be just the answer. Even the simple joy of sitting in a park for a few hours can be surprisingly fun and afford an unexpected chance to relax and just play. The hardest part of this plan is overcoming the, perhaps screaming, hurdle of getting the kids out of the home while leaving their devices behind.
But that is only half of what it takes to actually have an enjoyable and inexpensive time outdoors. The second half is planning. Many kids are only too eager to say, "this sucks" the second their over-stimulated minds are left to dawdle. It is important for parents to have a game plan about what games to try, so that they can overcome the kids' initial disinterest and create an opportunity for everyone to rediscover how fun play is. With just a family of four, easy and effective options include simple party games such as charades, or board and card games.
But it all about knows your audience. If one kid is hyperactive or just loves sports, the activities will have to include throwing a ball around, climbing trees, or some other physical activity such as an improvised game of soccer. Keep in mind that you don't have to please everyone all the time, and compromise will make the day more fun for everyone. Likewise, not every activity has to be competitive. For example, there is no winner in "catch."
The important thing is to have one or two reliable stand-bys, and then a number of options to try depending on everyone's mood. You will also need a healthy dose of willpower to say "no, we can't leave yet" after 20 minutes, in order to provide everyone with enough time to slow down, discharge their brains, and get in the right frame of mind to enjoy actual face-to-face interactions and play. As far as knowing your audience goes, sometimes it might pay off to invite another family. Far more activities are possible with eight or nine people, including bigger games, mixing up teams to diffuse squabbling siblings, and more collaborative creativity to be sure everyone is having a good time.
Part of the goal if this is a first effort at inexpensive, healthy, unplugged outdoor fun is just to get comfortable with the experience. So don't push for a nature hike or something more intense if a few family members won't be up for it, because keeping everyone interested in trying again will depend heavily on getting everyone to have some fun. So next time you want to enjoy some quality family time, take a moment to plan some outdoor activities and then unleash your family's inner desire to play.
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By: John V
People love to play. Play is so old it predates humanity. Nearly every mammal on Earth can be seen playing. If a person says he or she does not like playing, they either haven't found the right game, or they've just plain forgotten how (and need to relearn!). Everyone is worried about how kids are constantly "plugged in" using smart phones, gaming systems, and computers, and many young adults are nearly unable to survive without a constant "I.V. drip" of internet. So parents are looking for ways unplug themselves and their children, and enjoy some time together.
Especially for families with kids that are teens or younger, a little will power on the part of the parents and some time in the great outdoors can be just the answer. Even the simple joy of sitting in a park for a few hours can be surprisingly fun and afford an unexpected chance to relax and just play. The hardest part of this plan is overcoming the, perhaps screaming, hurdle of getting the kids out of the home while leaving their devices behind.
But that is only half of what it takes to actually have an enjoyable and inexpensive time outdoors. The second half is planning. Many kids are only too eager to say, "this sucks" the second their over-stimulated minds are left to dawdle. It is important for parents to have a game plan about what games to try, so that they can overcome the kids' initial disinterest and create an opportunity for everyone to rediscover how fun play is. With just a family of four, easy and effective options include simple party games such as charades, or board and card games.
But it all about knows your audience. If one kid is hyperactive or just loves sports, the activities will have to include throwing a ball around, climbing trees, or some other physical activity such as an improvised game of soccer. Keep in mind that you don't have to please everyone all the time, and compromise will make the day more fun for everyone. Likewise, not every activity has to be competitive. For example, there is no winner in "catch."
The important thing is to have one or two reliable stand-bys, and then a number of options to try depending on everyone's mood. You will also need a healthy dose of willpower to say "no, we can't leave yet" after 20 minutes, in order to provide everyone with enough time to slow down, discharge their brains, and get in the right frame of mind to enjoy actual face-to-face interactions and play. As far as knowing your audience goes, sometimes it might pay off to invite another family. Far more activities are possible with eight or nine people, including bigger games, mixing up teams to diffuse squabbling siblings, and more collaborative creativity to be sure everyone is having a good time.
Part of the goal if this is a first effort at inexpensive, healthy, unplugged outdoor fun is just to get comfortable with the experience. So don't push for a nature hike or something more intense if a few family members won't be up for it, because keeping everyone interested in trying again will depend heavily on getting everyone to have some fun. So next time you want to enjoy some quality family time, take a moment to plan some outdoor activities and then unleash your family's inner desire to play.
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