Want To Go Play Outside?
Consider this a call to action.
Go play outside... Right now... GO!!!
...Ok so maybe not now, but at least plan to.
A couple weeks ago I came across a video (Posted Below), it analyzed how generations of kids play. The grandparents reflected on when they used to go fish, garden, and experience nature. The parents of the children reflected on how they used to get groups of kids together and play stickball, tag, hide and seek etc. These were all awesome things that I could relate to personally. I remember running around outside as a kid until the street lights came on. I always wanted to play basketball, tag, four square, or Wiffle Ball! When it was cold I wanted to go sledding at a big hill or jump into big piles of snow. Every summer I spent surfing, skim boarding, playing football, ultimate frisbee, and yes MORE WIFFLE BALL!
As I am watching this video I start to get nervous... a turn in my gut comes when they begin to the children of the parents were being interviewed. Citing that they could not live without their Ipads, television, texting on their phones. Saying that is what they like to do for fun, to escape from the stress of the real world. STRESS??!!! These kids are all under the age of 16. I know being a teenager is hard at times, but it's something everyone goes through. It made me uneasy because my younger cousins are a part of this generation. My friends children are a part of this generation. A generation who is highly reliant on technology to be entertained.
This makes me very sad to see. I hope that all kids can experience the great outdoors, interact with other children in a non-organized fashion. Yes I am talking about free play! Not a league with uniforms and sign up fees, I am talking about getting your kids to grab a ball, meet some kids in the park, and create their own game. It will be highly valuable for them as adults because they will have learned the do's and do not's of interacting socially, managing groups, and creating a fun environment.
My largest concern however is not with the kids, because from my point of view it's not their fault. My largest concern is with the parents, because from my point of view the fault lies with them. Behavior is for the most part learned. Kid's are watching every move adults make.
As I am not a parent, I cannot speak on how difficult it must be, and I respect all parents everywhere, it's a tough job! What I am speaking on however is what I observe. I see parents at lunch with their 4 year old, both staring at their phone at the table while the kid sits with no interaction. Kids learn by observing, so if a child sees that at a young age, they will reflect what they see in their future actions. That child will reflect the parents habits, if you think differently you are only fooling yourself.
With all of that being said here are my 2 call to actions:
1.) I am a big fan of the no phone in social situations rule, and I challenge all of the Windy City People out there to join me in that.
I try my best not to use my phone when I am in a social situation, whether breakfast with friends, a birthday party, or playing with my younger cousins.
Now I am not perfect, I have broken my own rule before, but I get better and better each time I implement it. Also I have noticed if I do not bring out my phone, other people I am socializing with become more engaged. Set a good example for everyone around you!
2.) Go play outside!!! A few weeks ago I got to go out with friends, play two softball games, then go to a barbecue and play games! I want everyone to get outside and play!!! Try to start with 1 dedicated hour to an outside game or activity during the week, and 4 dedicated hours Friday to Sunday. Trust me when I tell you those hours will start to get longer and you will love it because you are having fun.
Here is the video I spoke about earlier. I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on it!