To think it is very difficult to convince DC to play outside when indoors is enticing

When I was a kid, it became clear to me that kids cannot win.

If I was watching telly, 'why are you watching that rubbish - there are loads of books in your room'.

If I was reading a book, 'why are you stuck in here with a book? It's lovely outside, get some fresh air'

If I was playing outside, 'why are you screaming and shouting in the garden - can't you make that racket at the park?'

If I was playing at the park, 'you've been at the park all day - haven't you got homework to do?'

If I was doing homework, 'you've been hunched over that essay all afternoon - why don't you come and watch telly with the rest of the family?'

For this reason, I was quite non-directive about how my kids spent their own time - and the result was that they sort of evened the whole thing out, over a while. So they'd go through periods of watching telly incessantly, and then they'd disappear off out for weeks.

Might just be my kids, I suppose. But I think a lot of parents are on the case daily - which you means you never find out what they'd do if you left them alone.

The honest answer to this is “just say no” to screen time.

Why can't she do those things outside? I spent a lot of my childhood sitting up trees, reading and writing.

Just turn the screens / wifi off or take devices away, it really isn’t hard! Set up puzzles on the table or a reading corner outside (hammock? Snacks?) for your one who likes those things but honestly- you will have to actively parent to get what you want here.

Yeah, I’m sorry but this is the problem, you’ve chosen to have these things indoors that made your life easier initially but which now cause you constant hassle. My kids had nothing, like absolutely nothing, just one tiny tv in the living room that was only switched on in the evening. And they were out in the garden all day no matter the weather. And the difference in them now that they are in their teens, their mental health their resilience, it was worth it. I got so much criticism when they were small, they need to learn how to use tech but their dad works in tech and he knows how damaging it is

do they really show no interest in their pool?

I get it's a bit hot for trampoline, and they get bored. But most kids I know can't get out of their pools at the moment, novelty and heat do that.

I get bored in my own garden doing nothing, so I don't really expect my kids to be that interested, they need to go places.

Take the inside things outside. Reading and puzzles can easily be done outside.

This is such a nice idea. Think I’m going to do this with DD! Thank you for sharing.

children learn by example. If you had children, you couldn't complain about their screen time while being on a screen yourself! *you might have, I don't know, it's not the point.

Mine enjoy being outside more now they've got a little freedom and are allowed to go further on their bikes.
Although they've been outside in the garden happily this morning painting and doing crafts.

Send them out with their devices to take photos of bugs and plants. You could get one of those cheap little black and white thermal printers they can use themselves (my 6yo can) and get them to take pics, stick in books, draw and write about them :)

Wish we had a garden, but downstairs neighbours let us use theirs which is v kind of them.

@pinkestpanther What’s the garden looking like? Do you have the space/finances for a little shed which could serve as a play den? What about getting them out there to plant seeds/paint pots/fill bird feeders? I totally get that the screen time brings respite when you’re busy, it does take a little effort to coerce them out there initially.

DD does love the outdoors, thankfully. One plan I have for the summer is lots of outdoor picnics, and one evening I’m going to sling a sheet up & some fairy lights, and project a movie out there.

We rent, so don’t have much capacity to enact permanent changes, those are some really easy ways to get them out there engaging with the garden. And if they’re doing something like planting seeds, they’ve got more of an investment in being out there.

Presumably an adult. There’s no reason to give small children unlimited access to screens

fabulous advice from someone currently on MN themselves 😂

Trying isn’t good enough, you need to actually limit it. Of course they’re going to constantly ask if there’s no clear rules and you constantly give in when they do.

Is there somewhere they can read outside? A comfy chair/ hammock / picnic blanket?

then take them out?

Do you fancy staying indoors yourself but they have to go outside?
If you want your kids to get fresh air, you take them!

I knew this would be the problem. Get rid of the screens. It’s summer and they don’t need them

I think it depends on the child. I struggle to get mine back inside.

What do they have inside that they like? Mine aren’t really kicking a ball about kids (will do it for half an hour but not all afternoon). They like pretend play so we have an outdoor cafe that they set up and they make it an ice-cream shop or whatever. My eldest is more into drawing and stuff so we have outdoor chalks she can use in the garden.

(although tbf we are now indoors watching a film, because it’s the middle of the day and 32C 🤣)

I never liked going in the garden as a kid - only interesting thing out there was possibly the cat. Dh was same -MIl used to chuck him out to their garden and get upset when he took a book - though he got to roam local area a lot with friends.

My parents garden wasn't big enough really to bike ride - and there was little else when they got rid of sandpit when I was very young. Snow days were okay. I was always perplexed what they expect us to do out there with very little out there and lots of plants to avoid - it wasn't a big space.

Ours have played out front - with bikes - other kids - and in back with each other and garden toys - DD2 used to go out by herself a lot late primary years - painting - playing. Last house DS used to like going out and crushing hazel nuts.

They were out last year - painting together in the sun as late teens. However mostly we've taken the out to parks when we used to live near good ones - or activties - or they've been in house.