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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

60 replies

pinkestpanther · 21/06/2025 12:44

Just that really.

These days there are so many dopamine hits on offer indoors that it is very hard to encourage outdoor play. My DC are very resistant to playing in our garden. They will play outside if we go out to a park or beach, but it would be good not to have to go out for them to play outside.

OP posts:
Original poster
pinkestpanther · 21/06/2025 12:56

yestothat · 21/06/2025 12:53

What do they have indoors?

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They are constantly asking for screen time. We do try to limit it, but it is an uphill battle.

DC2 also loves to read and do puzzles, which is great, but sometimes I worry that she doesn’t get enough fresh air.

OP posts:
cheesycheesy · 21/06/2025 12:56

I think it can be a bit boring playing in the garden after about half an hour or so. I much prefer taking dc to the park or outside somewhere else. Kills a lot more time

Stripeyanddotty · 21/06/2025 12:55

Do they have free rein to iPads, gaming etc indoors? Or books, Lego, crafts etc?

Original poster
pinkestpanther · 21/06/2025 12:54

BiscuitBotherer · 21/06/2025 12:51

If you want them to spend more time outside you simply make indoors less enticing.

I totally agree. I just wish I could enact this! (I admit it - I’m the problem, it’s me 🫠).

OP posts:
yestothat · 21/06/2025 12:53

pinkestpanther · 21/06/2025 12:51

Thank you, yes they do have a few things. A trampoline and a slide, and a bit of sports equipment. I think it’s just hard for those to complete with some of the things they have indoors.

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What do they have indoors?

Original poster
pinkestpanther · 21/06/2025 12:51

HorrorFan81 · 21/06/2025 12:47

I suppose it depends on what's in your garden / how big it is etc. and what it is your kids like dojng. We have a really big garden but neither of my kids are into kicking a ball around or anything so they didnt really play outside until we invested in stuff out there. Paddling pool or a sprinkler to run when warm enough, climbing frame with swings and now a trampoline. They are out there loads now but if it was just a patch of grass they wouldn't be.

Thank you, yes they do have a few things. A trampoline and a slide, and a bit of sports equipment. I think it’s just hard for those to complete with some of the things they have indoors.

OP posts:
BendingSpoons · 21/06/2025 12:51

We bring lots of stuff outside. It doesn't work for everything e.g. DS will spend weeks playing with a Magna-tiles creation that we can't move, but many things can come out. Plus they like riding cars etc round the garden and water play when warm enough. I often come out too which helps. Right now DD is giving a bee water as she is worried about it.

BiscuitBotherer · 21/06/2025 12:51

If you want them to spend more time outside you simply make indoors less enticing.

yestothat · 21/06/2025 12:48

You don’t have to give your kids constant access to iPads/computers or even have them at all. My Dc go straight outside to play in the evenings and weekends

HorrorFan81 · 21/06/2025 12:47

I suppose it depends on what's in your garden / how big it is etc. and what it is your kids like dojng. We have a really big garden but neither of my kids are into kicking a ball around or anything so they didnt really play outside until we invested in stuff out there. Paddling pool or a sprinkler to run when warm enough, climbing frame with swings and now a trampoline. They are out there loads now but if it was just a patch of grass they wouldn't be.