| Getting out and moving around is a great way for both | | | | moss-bedded forest path, jump from rock to rock |
| adults and children to get or stay healthy. Children not | | | | along the stream, or simply look and listen to the sights |
| only discover nature’s wonders in a unique way | | | | and sounds of the surroundings while taking the daily |
| during each outing, but it is also a great way for them | | | | family walk. |
| to avoid obesity and ailments, which derive from lack | | | | Offer habit and variety: Children love ritual. So do take |
| of movement. Instead of grabbing the next bag of | | | | those walks along the same path. But also offer |
| chips and watching excessive TV, your kids will quickly | | | | variety. Take a bike ride on a new path, go for a swim |
| get in the habit of wanting to get out and make things | | | | in a different lake, or ride a pony with your children. |
| happen in the lap of nature. They might just have so | | | | Your children will continue to feel the warmth of the |
| much fun doing so that they’ll want to show their | | | | better-known “home“ path. But an occasional |
| kids the great outdoors one day. | | | | change of pace will help expand their horizons and |
| How can parents make it more interesting for their | | | | wake their curiosity even more. |
| kids to get out and get active? | | | | Include other children: Bring the neighbors kids along. |
| Lead by example: If you are truly interested in the | | | | Children usually love their parents. But when children |
| outdoors, then half the battle is won. Just be yourself, | | | | see that other children are also interested in climbing |
| get out, and enjoy nature. Children will sense your | | | | trees in the woods and playing hide and seek in the |
| enjoyment and will soon follow. Pretty soon, your | | | | yard, they will be that much more motivated to get out. |
| children will be pulling YOU off the couch to jog on the | | | | Inspire them to do whatever most interests them. |