I’ve heard all the familiar remarks: “Kids are cooped up too much these days.” “They don’t get enough fresh air.” “Too much screen time, not enough time spent outdoors.” “In my day, we just kicked our kids outside until dinner!”
I totally understand. If I could just say, “Go play outside!” and let my kids enjoy the sunshine and dirt until dusk, life would be simpler for all of us. However, reality is far more complicated.
Ideally, I would love to send my kids out into the yard to play freely while I catch up on chores and news inside. Truthfully, they would be thrilled by this arrangement. But we live in an apartment without a yard, limiting their outdoor options. There’s a small patch of grass behind our building, but I always feel the need to keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they don’t wander off into the parking lot or, worse yet, attract unwanted attention from others or even the police for letting them roam too freely. And let’s be honest, a mere 9 square feet of grass won’t keep them entertained for long.
You might say that as they grow older, I could send them off with a backpack filled with snacks to the park. While it’s true we’re in a relatively safe neighborhood, not everyone has that luxury. What about parents in less secure areas? Or those who work long hours and return home after dark? There are countless factors to consider.
As parents, we aim to provide our children with experiences that foster independence and growth, and outdoor play is undeniably beneficial for their development and overall health. Yet, our primary responsibility is to ensure their safety, and for some of us, the environments we inhabit don’t allow for that sense of security when letting them venture into the unknown.
I don’t want to be an overly protective parent. I desire for my kids to relish their time outdoors, to feel the earth beneath their feet, and to explore freely. I want them to enjoy their autonomy without constantly needing my supervision. Unfortunately, that’s not our current reality, and many families share this struggle. We wish we could just tell our kids to go outside and play until dinner, but our circumstances often don’t allow for it.
So before you start questioning why kids aren’t outside enough or label parents as overly cautious, please take a moment to think about the diverse situations some of us face. Instead of adding to our guilt, offer support and reassurance that we’re doing our best. A kind word can go a long way in affirming our efforts as parents.
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In summary, while the idea of simply sending kids outside sounds appealing, many families face obstacles that complicate this seemingly straightforward solution. Recognizing these challenges is essential for fostering understanding and support within our communities.