Getting kids outside

How do I motivate my kids to go outside and play?

– Barry L, Atlanta GA

There are different methods you can use to motivate kids to do the things you want them to do even when they themselves do not want to do those things. Being from Georgia you must be familiar with the character Tom Sawyer from the writings of Mark Twain. Do you remember a certain fence Tom had to whitewash? A job that he completed by tricking his friends into doing it for him?

One tried and true method of getting kids to do what you want is reverse psychology. You use this method by making your kid think that you do not want them to do the thing you want them to do. Nothing makes a kid want to get involved like telling them you don’t want them involved!

You do need to be careful how often you use this approach. Over use can lead to your kid figuring out what you are doing at an early age. Sometimes they just call you on it and everything is fine but other times they will not call you on it and instead begin to build a high level of distrust toward you.

The best method to get kids to do what you want them to do is to do things with them. Drag them outside with you and play a game. Chase them around the yard. Wash the car and let them get you with the hose.

The reason your kids may not be motivated to go outside is because you are not going outside. Kids learn from their parents and that includes both good and bad habits. If you are spending plenty of time outside and the kids still prefer to spend their time indoors than you might want to make indoors a little less enjoyable.

Take away TV time when it is nice outside. Make them do housework if they are just hanging around in the house. Just as you can make outside time more enjoyable by being actively involved you can also make indoor time less enjoyable by being actively involved!

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Kids playing used under Creative Commons License from flickr user MShades