How can I encourage my child to go outside and play?
By Didimay1
@Didimay1 (26)
United States
October 22, 2010 8:22pm CST
Children today want to be inside playing video games or on the computer, they really don't get enough excersice, I am worried becuase there is an obesity epidemic that can lead to health problems... What is your advise?
2 responses
@saqi78 (1402)
• Malaysia
26 Oct 10
You are right, I disagree with the idea to keep child indoor, as for my case, I would like my child to interact with his/her peers, in this way s/he would get interaction and his mind ll open to new things. He ll know the difference in bad or good, at home you cannot discuss every thing with him, the thing which ll be in your mind you ll discuss that, but from out side world he ll get the practical example of that and if he see any thing out side, it is the habit of children that they discuss with their loved one, so best thing is to become their loved one and your child will discuss every thing with you happening inside or out side instead of keeping them indoor.
The other thing, which you already mentioned, they dont get enough exercise and get sick or obese, is another valid point. But try that your child experience and share their experience with you, instead of taking advices or suggestion from you. It is just like theoretical life in college or university and practical life in field.
And the best way to make their interest is to take them your self, accompany them and left them to play with other children, one day ll come that they ll go by their own...:)
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
23 Oct 10
Firstly Didimay1 I notice you are very new so a very warm welcome to you on myLot. 
Do not encourage your child to go outside and play as one day you will wish your child to stay indoors and your child will not want to. So my suggestion to you is sign you child up for some sports activity. It should not be a choice as you should find something that interest your child. Take the child out to more recreational places that perhaps other child are there and your child may find quite fun. If your child refuses then guess what then your child looses privileges of playing the games, so try to balance how much time the child should be playing daily. But none of this will work if you make it habitual.
There has to be a balance between the amount of time your child plays with the games as you are right the busy mind and loss of time will certainly cause the child to over eat with out noticing how much.
Do not encourage your child to go outside and play as one day you will wish your child to stay indoors and your child will not want to. So my suggestion to you is sign you child up for some sports activity. It should not be a choice as you should find something that interest your child. Take the child out to more recreational places that perhaps other child are there and your child may find quite fun. If your child refuses then guess what then your child looses privileges of playing the games, so try to balance how much time the child should be playing daily. But none of this will work if you make it habitual.
There has to be a balance between the amount of time your child plays with the games as you are right the busy mind and loss of time will certainly cause the child to over eat with out noticing how much. 