We struggle with limiting electronics and getting our kids to play outside. Recently, we spent a beach weekend with two other families and their kids, and we enforced a “no electronics rule.” We got some push back from the kids, and some kids still did sneak their video games, but it was great to see them running wild on the beach, making lots of noise, and playing games like we used to play, like tag, pretending, and building sand castles. They enjoyed old-fashioned, outdoor “unstructured” play.
I believe that getting our kids outside and experiencing “unstructured” play is worth the struggle. Studies have shown numerous physical and mental benefits to outdoor unstructured play. Since kids have to “find” something to do, it helps creativity. Since they have to work together to make a fun game, it helps cooperation and behavior. Since there is not a screen giving them constant feedback, outdoor play helps develop attention. And since there is not a constant barrage of stressful and intense gameplay, outdoor play has also been found to improve anxiety.
I am not saying that video games are all bad. Video games have their benefits too, like improved spatial awareness and planning, but if your kids are like mine, I do not have to struggle to make sure they get enough time in front of the screen.
So join me in the struggle! The struggle to get our kids outside having fun!