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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think children need to get out in the fresh air every single day

204 replies

lkissaa · 26/10/2016 16:30

Obviously every now and again if they're ill or parents feel like a lazy day but generally, I feel it's very very important for children to be outside getting exercise every day. It helps stimulate their brain, keep them fit and healthy and helps to use up their energy so they sleep better at night. Even if it's just in the local park or even just the garden.

I've worked extensively with children with behavioural problems and while many of them have more deep-routed issues, in many cases once the parent started taking the child out every day for exercise and outside play, the behaviours improved massively and in some cases almost disappeared.

When I was a child my Dad took us out every day for walks and we loved it. Playing outside.

I hat to compare children to dogs, but dogs get very disturbed if they don't have a walk every day and in some ways I feel children are the same. They don't need walking, but they do need fresh air and a change of scenery.

AIBU to think that?

OP posts:
NickyEds · 26/10/2016 16:32

Has someone....anyone, seriously said to you "god no, you must not take children out every day! It's bad for them!"? Of course children need to get out most days, barring illness etc.

Rolocookies · 26/10/2016 16:32

YANBU. Even a walk to the shop will be beneficial. I particularly feel strongly about nurseries giving all children outdoor time.

lkissaa · 26/10/2016 16:35

I am asking as I suggested this to one of my close friends as her Daughter is a nightmare. She won't go to sleep at night, constantly looks for attention and throws tantrums constantly. She never takes her out except when she's strapped into the pram to go to the local shop. I can't wait until her daughter goes to school as I feel so sorry for her.

But my friend thinks children do not need to be outside their home very often.

OP posts:
Mrsemcgregor · 26/10/2016 16:36

In an ideal world probably, but we have had 2 pyjama days this half term and the kids seem ok.

My 7 year old does sooooo much at school (runs a mile every morning, pe 3 times a week, forest school and an after school multi sports club) and he walks 1.25miles twice a day to school and back and he has homework every night AND we go out every weekend somewhere active.

The poor kid needs a few days to wear pyjamas and play minecraft! Wink

Sparklesilverglitter · 26/10/2016 16:36

Yanbu. Even adults should get out everyday if they are able too of course

Dd isn't very old and I go for a walk with the pram every day it always makes me feel nice. Then at weekends dh comes for a walk with is too

Sgoinneal · 26/10/2016 16:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HappyAxolotl · 26/10/2016 16:39

Shouldn't we all try to get outdoors and get a bit of sunlight and a walk if we can? I know I feel better for it and feel sluggish and ratty when I don't.

PeppaAteMySoul · 26/10/2016 16:40

I try and get DS out each day but at the moment am 8 months pregnant and struggling. Have definitely noticed it being harder to get him to sleep at night!

allegretto · 26/10/2016 16:43

Yanbu but it's not easy if you live in a flat with no parks nearby.

Eeeek686 · 26/10/2016 16:44

Yanbu! Eldest DC is 3.5 and I can count on one hand the number of days we've stayed in all day (& only ever illness related).... I absolutely get claustrophobic if I stay in too long so it's imperative for my sanity and physical well-being as much as theirs!

lkissaa · 26/10/2016 16:45

Even if you live in a flat with no parks nearby you can easily get out. Even if it's just for a walk. They don't need a park. A nice walk is brilliant for them.

OP posts:
YouJustWouldntLetItLieWouldYa · 26/10/2016 16:46

Yanbu, I agree entirely.

Unluckycat1 · 26/10/2016 16:46

If it's dry then yes. If it's raining and we've been doing lots recently then nope. We all love a rainy indoor day occasionally.

lkissaa · 26/10/2016 16:47

Even if they've had a busy week, I still think they should at least get some fresh air every day. I agree with another person, unless they're ill they can go for a short time outdoors.

No matter how tired I am I have to walk every single day. I literally feel depressed if I don't, not sure if anyone else is the same. I feel really really fed up and sluggish too.

OP posts:
SaucyJack · 26/10/2016 16:47

I think your OP is a bit harsh/vague.

I'm sure there are many occasions where over-tired children who are normally at school full-time won't have suffered- and may even have benefitted- from a few days of binge watching Netflix over the holidays.

Your friend parenting sounds a bit crappy tho. Do they go to any toddler groups or anything?

lkissaa · 26/10/2016 16:48

Rainy days don't stop us. They're my favourite. I absolutely love a rainy walk, especially if it's windy. Grin

OP posts:
BoinkAlongQuietly · 26/10/2016 16:48

YANBU I hope most children have the opportunity to get out every day.

NipSlipper · 26/10/2016 16:48

YANBU. Who said you were? Hmm

BitchPeas · 26/10/2016 16:48

YANBU. My 9 year old is like a caged animal if he doesn't get out everyday, he has always been like it. My 18 month old is more chilled out but I still like to get her out everyday as it's so good for them.

sleepy16 · 26/10/2016 16:49

I would love to get out with the children everyday, but my asd son hates and I mean makes his anxiety levels sky high!
We managed to get him out for 10 mins yesterday to go for a pokemon hunt.
This is the first time we have been able to get him out for 5 days (he couldn't even get into school on friday).
But I do agree a bit of fresh air and a walk does make you feel better, just sometimes it's more difficult then not to actually "just get out".

oldlaundbooth · 26/10/2016 16:49

YANBU.

DS needs to be run ragged, we spend at least an hour outside every day, if not more. He sleeps better and it's so good for their immune system.

I honestly think most kids sleep and eat better when they've had a good run around the park.

AGruffaloCrumble · 26/10/2016 16:50

I can't get out with DD every day. We leave the house maybe three times a week for the entire day. She does normally go to nursery for two full days. I don't think it does her any harm as we're still being active and playing. I can't go for an aimless walk.

Sirzy · 26/10/2016 16:50

Perhaps instead of judging offer to help? Offer to take her daughter to the park, or enocurgage them to join you

If I had a friend who semingly avoided leaving the house I would have bigger worries than the lack of fresh air.

Eevee77 · 26/10/2016 16:51

I don't think think YABU but your posts are coming across as very smug.

SocksRock · 26/10/2016 16:51

My 6yo is like a puppy. 4mile walk every day minimum or he starts chewing the furniture. We've trained him out of peeing in corners though. The girls are not quite as bad, but yes their behaviour is worse if not exercised.