Encouraging Teens to Spend More Time Outside
Getting teens to willingly leave their screens and venture into the great outdoors can be a challenge. There are plenty of ways for us to get our teens out of the house and to get them to spend more time outside.
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Encouraging Teens to Spend More Time Outside
In today’s digital age, it’s becoming increasingly common for teenagers to spend a significant amount of their time indoors, glued to their screens. While technology can certainly have numerous benefits, it’s also important for teenagers to spend time outside, soaking up the sun, breathing in the fresh air, and engaging in physical activity.
Encouraging teens to spend more time outside can have a variety of benefits, from promoting physical activity to improving mental health and well-being.
Here are some ways to encourage teens to spend more time in nature:
Make it A Family Activity
Encourage the whole family to spend time outside together. Plan hikes, bike rides, or other outdoor activities that everyone can participate in. These don’t have to be big plans, even just a walk around the block can make a huge difference and a step in the right direction.
Make it Social
Encourage teens to spend time outdoors with their friends. Plan outdoor games, picnics, or other social activities that take place outside. As the weather grows warmer, plan homeschool groups that can take place in outdoor areas.
Make it A Challenge
Set a challenge for your teen to spend a certain amount of time outside each day or each week. Give them a goal to work towards, such as hiking a certain distance or trying a new outdoor activity. Teens love to make everything a competition, use that to your advantage.
Make it Fun
Encourage your teen to find outdoor activities that they enjoy, such as birdwatching, gardening, or rock climbing. Help them explore new hobbies that can be done outside. And ask what activities they might be interested in! Maybe it’s skateboarding.
Make it Accessible
Make it easy for teens to spend time outside by providing them with the necessary gear and equipment. This might include things like hiking boots, water bottles, sunscreen, or insect repellent.
If you want them outside, you need to make sure to provide what they need.
Make it A Routine
Encourage your teen to make spending time outside a part of their daily routine. For example, they could take a daily walk or bike ride before or after schoolwork, or as a break between lessons.
Make it Educational
Encourage teens to learn about the natural world and the environment. Take them on a guided nature walk, or encourage them to read books or watch documentaries about nature and conservation.
By making spending time outside enjoyable, accessible, and a part of their routine, you can encourage teens to develop a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.
