Picnics, cookouts, fireworks… July 4th is a traditional time for outdoor events and family gatherings. Summertime just doesn’t get any better. July 4 is also almost mid-summer and a good time to re-assess how your MediaWise® summer is going. Think about how much time your kids are spending in front of screens versus time spent outdoors, or non-screen indoor activities.
It’s time to pry your kid away from their video games, TVs, and hand-held screens. Ask your kids if they’d rather play outside or play a video game. If they choose video games, then it’s time to re-introduce them to the great outdoors. Check your paper for local park and nature activities. Or let your kids plan their own nature hunt in your own backyard…or build a mini-golf course…or stage their own Olympic events. Getting kids active often just means letting them activate their own creativity. Check our MediaWise Network resources if you are looking for more ideas.
One way to combine screens and outdoors is to let your kids film their own short movie (if you have or can borrow a camera) - only it has to be done outdoors.
In short, have a great July 4th holiday. Enjoy these summer days, they will slip by ever so fast. There’s never a better time for kids to be outside and families to enjoy summer activities together. What are your kids doing for outdoor fun this summer?
Dr. Dave