(Children are not to be blamed, seniors set an example by spending their valuable time online connected to the illusory culture. Let’s go to the golden past to bring back popular games of that period)
We live in an era where technological excellence is rated above human intelligence. We are blindfolded by the magic of mechanical devices which promise to give pleasure when one is transported to the virtual world. Gone are the days when people used to believe in making social connections by meeting, chatting in person. Technological revolution and more than that, the social-media intrusion in our lives is degrading the way we interact. As a result, health concerns are rising; physical, mental and emotional health quotients are deteriorating.
Our children are the major sufferers. They have not seen the time when there was ample space to play outdoor games. There were no restrictions on play-time and ‘offline friends’ was the most important thing to cherish.
Am I getting too pessimistic? Well, life keeps on changing its pattern and living with technology is the demand of today. We know that health is the ultimate wealth. Make an effort to develop your children’s interest in outdoor activities as technological things will be attained easily:)
Games to keep Children Physically Active
How to Develop Children’s Interest In Outdoor Games
⚽ Restrict gadget time for children. Whether it is a video game, mobile phone or television; fix a maximum time for the passive activities. Reward them periodically if they succeed in adapting to the schedule.
⚽ Play with your children. When parents show curiosity in outdoor games, children, too, have a chance to indulge in activities that improve physical fitness.
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Alert⚠️- Parents may have to ditch their gadgets for the betterment of their children;)
⚽ Shun dependency on online applications. Be an example for your children by doing calculations without any help from a calculator. I bet they will be motivated to do maths on their own.
Read books and encourage them to nurture reading habits. A healthy environment developed by you will be effective in the healthy growth of your children.
⚽ Give your children ample time to play. It’s not wise to make them study all day when they are in their primary school only. The playtime should have a big chunk reserved for outdoor games. I recommend no compromise in this deal.
⚽ Finding space for children to play is the biggest problem today. If you are buying a new home, be particular in getting one with a park or playground nearby. Encourage them to make real friends and start healthy communication. It’s our responsibility to let children play in the open space. Children are like tender plants who grow in healthy, open surroundings.
⚽ Gift your children, the games that need physical activity and an open area to play. Physical activities facilitate healthy growth in children. Not only the body, their mind and emotional quotient will also show improvement, once the regular playtime is fixed.
PS- By keeping child active physically for an hour or two, you will improve his grades in studies:)
⚽ Encourage kids to remain physically active from a very young age. Play with them the games that demand physical exercise. I recommend the traditional Cricket, Football, Tennis, Cycling, Skipping and Swimming for the development of children.
Participating in games that promote physical activity is beneficial in the following manner:
1) Physical Fitness is an important aspect of life and outdoor games are helpful in securing it.
2) Social Skills improve with children playing games that involve participation in groups.
3) Outdoor games boost creativity. Children learn to think beyond that is visible to the eye.
4) Children develop a positive outlook towards life that’s useful in improving mental health.
5) Playing outdoors with peer facilitates the personality development of children.
6) Children acquire an appreciation for nature while playing outdoor games.
7) Improvement in motor skills is noticeable when the size of playground increases from a small room to 50’x50′ ground.
8) You won’t deny, the is the happiness of children playing outdoors is beyond explanation:)
🎾. 🏸. 🏏. 🏑. ⚽. 🥅
🥇 I collected the links to various outdoor games for ready reference. Have a look👉🏻
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Disclaimer – This post has some affiliate links. The author may earn a percentage if you buy, clicking on these links. Thank you.
Finally….. 🙂
So true… The moment I ask a qtn to a read line, you ha fan answer. So very thought poured article!! I have been wondering about this topic for a while! We have to see how fut gen is gonna brought up. Hope some of your suggestions are taken and implemented. At least schools do this instead of forcing kids to study a lot.
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Thanks for reading!
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Completely agree, In my case I am lucky as evening 5… and my boys are out to play and I have to drag them back home. They love to play badminton, cricket, football even hide & seek, skipping, stapu and cycling too along with many such games too. Playing outside helps in overall development of kids and playing with nature is always relaxing and soothing. Nice informative post.
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A very informative article especially in the present generation where kids are ruled by smartphones and ipads . Physical activities seem less interesting for the kids these days
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Thanks for sharing such helpful tips to hit the ground and get some physical activity and ample of sunlight. It is very annoying to see how the kids of late are stuck to gadgets and hardly see any day light. As you rightly mentioned we parents to take the first step of putting our gadgets down.
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You manage to write just what is the need of the hour. So well conceptualised.
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A very informative article covering an extremely important point in a child’s life. Loved it immensely..
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Aditi, this is very well articulated. Physical activity goes a long way in overall personality development of kids but pollution and lack of open areas are keeping the kids inside. Your tips are wonderful and so thoughtful too. Keep writing dear. 🙂
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My Maa often complains about how much of play they used to play and how it reduces in my childhood. Sadly, the time to play is reducing every year statistically. We parents need to live life actively away from gadgets and play with them. LAter encourage them to have a hobby sport too. So, glad to read your post Aditi.
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Completely agree. In our place, cold weather is a big problem. So we make it up in summer with cycling, walking and hiking with kids. One important point that you brought up is that parents should also play with children. Win win for both kids and us.
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You have shown the millennial parents the reality. Our kids know what they have seen how can we blame them. They will do what they will see.
You post has motivated me on a Sunday morning and I will plan a good outdoor activity for my kids today. Thanks a bunch.
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I completely agree with you that physical activities have lots of physical and mental benefits for you..recently we had started a cycling routine for school routine and having lots of fun by doing it. great post and thanks for this reminder.
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ohh..yes. no gadgets or online games, video hames can beat the importance and fun that children can get through outdoor play. Sad part today, due to too much of construction, there is not much space left for good parks. But whenever possible parents should encourage their kids to step outside, get some fresh air..
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Completely agree with your post, This is the need of the hour and we as parents have to consciously ditch the gadgets to show them there exists a better world without technology. Lovely pointers!!
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another informative article! loved it!
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You are so right Aditi. We need to put our gadgets away and just engage with the children for their well-being. Agree with you about the importance of outdoor games as well!
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participation of parents is important, unless we lead by example the change is hard to happen.
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Absolutely agree! We have not bought I-pads in our house and my children don’t get time on our phones for this very reason. One hour of outdoor play everyday is a must. Well-penned!
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This is a must read. Every parent should be aware of it and it’s so important. Glad you wrote about it.
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Playing physical games are very important for kids & i always feel guilty that i dont able to give my child more space to play.
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Very informative and helpful tips. The importance of physical well being cannot be undermined. To see our kids following the path to physical well being, we have to set an example by practicing ourselves. Well written.
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Physical exercise is so important for kids, Aditi! A good reminder
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Very well said, Importance of Physical activities can’t be replaced by any upgradation in technologies, but unfortunately we are living with sad truth that our kiddo’s world is surrounded by th digital entertainment only, and yes parents involvement in physical activity can only bring the positive change in digital habits.
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I so agree with Ur post,I’ve noticed changes in my kid when she goes outdoors,but where I’m located u hardly find any park or play area near to take her. This is d worst situation I have right now,not accessible to any parks
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Physical play is important for kids. In this world where adults and kids are glued to gadgets physical activities need to be introduced to keep them active.
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It is very important to indulge in physical activity for both mental and physical health. Too much of gadgets is a big no in our household. Informative post!
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Totally agree with you Aditi. We need to keep a balance and outdoor activities are a must for kids. Thanks for sharing your insights.
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Thanks for reading, Prerna:)
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