My kids refuse to go outside!

[PolyesterBride]

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!

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

Mine are usually ok for going outside

Sometimes if they get to a phase of not wanting to i send them out anyway. After a few minutes sulking they forget as they are having fun

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.

What about doing some outdoor crafty things? Chalks? I'm sure pinterest would give you more ideas?

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!

Why force them to do something they don't want to do? Nothing wrong with preferring indoor activities

I agree totally with you that kids need to be outside. Are they warm enough, mine always end up inside when they are feeling cold? It is nice to think those lovely shorts we bought for the 'heatwave' summer are now being used, but mine have been freezing this year.

Don't give up! TV off, everything outside. We set up a tent full of toys which down well, and was good even when it rained and they played for hours. Children need vitamin d and the fresh air is good for their mental health as well as their growing bodies.
Growing seeds etc and vegetables is quite an enticement for lots of dc and painting in the garden.
If you really can't keep them in your own garden, what about going out for days at the park, woods, lakes etc instead, for a few hours with a picnic? That way they have fresh air and sunshine and when it is time to come home you won't feel bad. A few hours out every day.
Failing all else borrow a dog, and walk it every day and playing ball.

I agree totally with you that kids need to be outside. Are they warm enough, mine always end up inside when they are feeling cold? It is nice to think those lovely shorts we bought for the 'heatwave' summer are now being used, but mine have been freezing this year.

Don't give up! TV off, everything outside. We set up a tent full of toys which down well, and was good even when it rained and they played for hours. Children need vitamin d and the fresh air is good for their mental health as well as their growing bodies.
Growing seeds etc and vegetables is quite an enticement for lots of dc and painting in the garden.
If you really can't keep them in your own garden, what about going out for days at the park, woods, lakes etc instead, for a few hours with a picnic? That way they have fresh air and sunshine and when it is time to come home you won't feel bad. A few hours out every day.
Failing all else borrow a dog, and walk it every day and playing ball etc :) I can lend you two of ours!

stop suggesting and start telling. They need to play outside and get fresh air and exercise, not sitting on their arses inside everyday.

Mine would choose to be indoors a lot of the time but I don't allow them not to have outdoor time, and they enjoy it when they do go out.

you're in charge, you don't let five year olds plan their own lives.

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.

Thank you everyone! I'm compromising by allowing indoor activities outside - so they're drawing on the trampoline now. Not sure I could model spacehopping very convincingly.

Whoever said not to let a 5 year old plan her life is right...somehow that's happened here but I'm taking back control!

I guess if they end up as indoorsy adults that's fine but at least I will have tried.

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 ...)

^ like she said!

I do go outside loads - I'd spend the whole day there if I could - but my DC don't seem to feel the need to be very near me!

Ice lollies only for the garden though is a good idea

Also walk to shops, library etc
Come home via the park

Can you join National Trust?
Don't give them the option all the time

So we have been outside for about an hour - DD1 has been sent to her room for bad behaviour and DD2 has disappeared inside to "get some more dollies". That was about 20 minutes ago.

I think I'll reward myself with a lolly!

Mine have to go out for 90mins+ each day to get computer time.

I make mine go out if they are mooching around the house, for at least 60 minutes a day, but ironically they like wild swimming, hiking etc and really enjoy doing that whenever the opportunity arises, probably because we do it with them.

We have a play shed with art kit inside if they want to get crafty. It also has a reading area up some stairs with books, cushions, etc

We take play doh, clay, paints, chalks etc outside. We lay big rolls of paper along the length of the garden and use stencils, paints, sponge shapes and potato shapes. All the art things that they like but no restriction on mess.
We are trying to make our own crazy golf course over the next week.

Go to the park, go for a walk, go geo caching, visit a museum, go to see boats / canal / beach etc, take picnic and tell them you are off on a bike ride, plant veg, build a den - all stuff mine do happily before home to watch TV or colour etc

Go on a bus trip, hop on a train, climb a hill - the North West has awesome outdoor stuff. Today we went on bus to a free local attraction with a big adventure playground. £6 bus fare plus picnic - make it an adventure

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

Was just about to suggest exactly what Meg suggested.

If you go outside then they will come and find you.... particularly if you go out with a coffee and a book for some peace and quiet :)