Does anyone else have outdoor refusing kids?!
I have two DDs (7 and 5) and my image of the summer holidays were of them out in the garden all day long, paddling pool, frisbee, trampoline, picnics, gardening etc etc. The reality is that they would prefer to watch TV and when that gets turned off, their choice is always to play with toys or do colouring/crafty type stuff. Inside. Always inside.
We live in the north west and don't exactly have year round sunshine. I want them to be outside to get fresh air and exercise. But every time I suggest it, they moan and complain that outside is boring and they'd rather be inside. When I insist, they ask how many minutes they have to stay outside and then ask when the time is up.
We have a massive trampoline (which nearly killed me putting it up), they have other toys like skipping ropes and a spacehopper, plus they have their bikes. But it's just a normal suburban garden, not massive, no playhouse or climbing trees.
What can I do. Should I force them outside - lock the back door and say don't come back till lunchtime? Or just let them do what they want and stay inside in the gloom?
If anyone has any suggestions, thank you in advance!
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My kids refuse to go outside!
PolyesterBride · 15/08/2015 10:54
My sister is still reminded of the day she said 'thank goodness the sun's gone in, we don't have to go out and enjoy it' 40 odd years later. We were never outside kids, always happier inside reading or doing craft stuff, and I'm the same now, so I can't give any advice
Oh i remember climbing in through the 'good room' window as a child and sneaking up to my room to play. Mum used to put us out and lock the door. 
i also tend to be indoorsy now. I guess some people just are.
I bought a house with a large garden that bushes for my DC to hide in, trees to climb, etc.
They are currently watching TV, while the sun is shining. 
Maybe stick crafty stuff outside and tell them to do it out there?
Invite friends round...other peoples trampolines are much more exciting than your own for some reason, so that might get them started.
Offer ice lollies to be eaten in the garden only.
Set an example. Have a go on that space hopper!
My dc are 4&8. Dd (4) loves being in the garden getting filthy but ds would rather hide in his room and play xbox some days I'm turning his mates away because he doesn't want to go out but he'll moan if I tell him nobody in on that particular day.
I'm in the nw as well so I know the weather hasn't been great for playing out.....I usually turf them out anyway, a bit of rain never hurt anyone!!
I think your best bet for a start is to set up a table outside for crafts, or a comfy outside chair for curling up and reading/colouring. It's not exercise, but at least it's outside.
And you can have a go on the trampoline. Maybe they'll join you. I love trampolines, DH won't let me have one.
Do you go outside much? I find that, though my DC don't need to be beside me, they do like to be in the vicinity of an adult. So if do garden stuff I often find that they will be checking to see where I am within 15 mins or so and then they will often drift outside and either chat to me or play nearby (or, you know, DRENCH me with a water pistol ).
I think that it's the difference between sending them outside, and coming outside with you.
Mine prefer to join me. (I'd prefer a bit of peace ...)
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Make yourself a lovely cup of tea, get a good book and a comfy chair and install yourself in a sunny spot at the end of the garden.
I give it about five minutes until everyone's outside
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