Do people make their kids go outside anymore? - Page 5

[Tuesday]

It's a beautiful day but my kids want to stay inside and read books and play Lego. I'm housebound, then, sadly. I understand those who have apartments and long for space. We have a house but a wee wee yard.

My mom used to send us outside to play and we'd be gone all day, my brother and I. But I recall - there were more places to explore. We'd go to a nearby forest, climb trees, run through farmer's fields, go down to a construction site (forbidden!) and watch the machines. Well, now those fields and forests are gone. The kids are happy to much around outside but I think they get just as much pleasure curling up with a book.

We do activities (hiking, soccer, swimming) but that usual involves driving somewhere.

[loraxc]

Well, of course if it's actually medically dangerous for you, don't go outside when it's hot. But I feel average, healthy people are often very wimpy about heat (or cold). Shade, water, go early or late. There is just no reason to stay inside all day every day because it's hot. It is often 98 degrees and 98% humidity here. Out we go. Do we run laps in the full sun at noon? Of course not, but there is a lot of time in the day. If you have a yard, you have so much freedom to find a way. Go out for 20 minutes! When you're hot, come in and have a popsicle. Then go out for another 20 minutes at dusk.

My kids do get bitten up sometimes, as do I. We put on anti-itch cream if it bothers them, or we use bug spray. I have had people tsk at me about my kids' bites. I really just....pffft. They need the fresh air and exercise. When I see a dirty kid whose legs are covered in bug bites, bruises and scratches, I know they are having a fun, active childhood.

[neverdoingitagain]

My oldest is 6 and this is the first year she has been allowed to play outside by herself. We live in a 4-plex with no fenced yard and on a street used as an ambulance route(infrequent very fast traffic) Our youngest is not allowed yet, since she still tries to run out onto the street. Last year, they were allowed to play outside in the yard(kicked outside as much as possible!) since we had a large fenced yard with lots of shade.
If we lived an an acreage like I did as a kid, I would feel comfortable letting hem play outside by themselves.

[Melaniee]

Originally Posted by loraxc

Well, of course if it's actually medically dangerous for you, don't go outside when it's hot. But I feel average, healthy people are often very wimpy about heat (or cold).

I happily resemble that remark. I don't like anything above 80...but I will grin and bear it up to 90.

[EdnaMarie]

When I see a dirty kid whose legs are covered in bug bites, bruises and scratches, I know they are having a fun, active childhood.

Our last doctor said that to me. "She's got a lot of tiny little scrapes. Looks like she's outside playing a lot!" I was happy because she is. Part of life!