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The habitual way of living gets entrenched (although kids seem to resist healthy habits around eating, cleaning teeth and going to bed). If playing inside has been a frequent occurrence in your house, it becomes like the social norm of your family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Changing social norms can happen however it takes some time and effort.<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I would suggest first, come clean as parents and have a family meeting expressing your concerns that the kids have too much time inside, which is seeing the house as a playground. Mention that it\u2019s healthy for them to play outside in the fresh air (I would avoid mentioning the risks of obesity, poor self-regulation and developmental delays that come with too much time on screens, or being sedentary \u2013 heck they are just kids.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When change happens too much too quickly it\u2019s normal for everyone to push back. So start in small ways \u2013 maybe as a family have a picnic or high tea outside and also invite extra kids over to double the fun. Given your kids may be used to being around you inside, they may need your presence outside, while they are in transition. Maybe do some weeding, hang out washing, peel the potatoes for dinner or have your cuppa while somewhere nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Depending on age it could be a version of going on a \u2018bear hunt\u2019, a treasure hunt, a slip n slide, a water balloon fight, or having loads of soft balls around, set up a shop or any real experience where they pretend to be grownups.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Essentially you need to create an attention-seeking experience that trumps being inside, as kids are wired to create play opportunities that make the neurotransmitters dopamine and endorphins.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nThen I\u2019d ask for suggestions on how to \u2018spark\u2019 up the outside play possibilities. Some creative kids will come up with great ideas while others may just roll their eyes.<\/span><\/h4>\n
The first foray needs to be something really attention-grabbing, almost guaranteed to be a winner \u2013 so think really engaging, messy, noisy or silly.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n