ShopShould you force kids to get outdoors?
Kaylie tries out a kayak
Well, I’ve had a real dilemma this week. My 12-year-old niece is visiting from Washington, DC. My husband and I had big plans for all the things outdoors we would do with her. She really would prefer to be indoors, out of the heat and away from the bugs. I think she’s pretty typical of most kids today. We have forced the issue and taken her out on walks, to Game Fair, on a scenic boat trip, canoeing and fishing (she did express an interest in fishing, but lost interest when the fish weren’t biting). I don’t know if she will remember her week with us as fun or forced recreation.
Should we make kids do things they would rather not do – not give them a choice, but say “you are going?” If we don’t, they may never get out and try new things. What do you think?
4 Responses to “Should you force kids to get outdoors?”
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Do you remember the cartoon Disney version of Jungle Book? Tward the end of the movie there are three vultures in a dead tree asking the age old question. What do you want to do? I don’t know, what do you want to do? I don’t know what do you want to do? . . . .
You will NEVER know the impact you made on your niece. She might let you know when she gets back, or she might let you know 10 years from now of the fond memories that YOU gave her by prying her away from her cell phone and exposing her to God’s Creation . . .but that is not the point. You are the adult, and contrary to her view on things, she is a child AND she does not know better. She didn’t travel 1500+ miles to sit on her . . .in you living room, or text her friends back home on how board she is. . . .
Back ground, I am ~48years old. My wife and I have been blessed with 7 beautiful children in a 10 year span (6 boys and 1 girl). We have 3 German Short hairs, belong to the local NAVHDA chapter. Until recently we did not own a fire arm, but participated in an NRA shooting program at a local Rod & Gun club. I have not paid for cable TV since 1997, my children have no personal communication devices, or electronic games. . . .Why? They are only under my roof for ~18 years (or so). I have been 12 and they have never been 48. I know what is better for them now then they think they do. . .an individual can ALWAYS learn to text, play games, etc BUT more often than not you can’t make up for lost time in developing and fostering relationship. . . .Just you wait, she is going to ask to come a visit
Loren . . . Thanks so much for writing and sharing your thoughts. Your kids are very lucky and may also not realize for many years what a gift you have given them of YOUR time and energy. I agree with you totally and if/when Kaylie comes back, we will do even more outdoors with her. If we don’t, I’m not sure who else will. I hope you continue to have positive and challenging new experiences and enjoy as a family!
Now I know that some may not feel that I have the wisdom or incite since I am only 27, but I have been active/volunteering in my local Pheasants Forever Chapter since I was 7 or 8. So I do have 20 or so years under my belt, and when PF started the No Kid Left Inside I was ecstatic! Now I may have had an atypical upbringing for now day’s standards, but that’s where the real problem lays.
Cell phones, Computers, Internet, TV and Video Games are pegged as the downfall of the youth in the outdoors. I’m going to have to disagree! I had opportunities at all of these technologies growing up (except cell phones) and whether people like it or not, these are tools or survival weapons of the world we live in today. Some very useful skill sets can be learned from these technologies, my favorite Hand Eye Coordination! (Essential for Wing Shooters!) All of these technologies have their place and kids today need to know how to interact with them so they will be able to survive when they are grown up and will depend heavily on them in their day to day activities.
Now all of that being said the KEY component is Moderation! And where does this start, parents, I have to many friends that have kids and don’t interact with them, don’t get them involved, and let them say glued to the TV/Cell Phone or whatever. If started at a young age kids will just expect to do these things and enjoy them as I did and do.
As far as “Force kids to the Outdoors” I think that could be counterproductive. When your niece comes out again I would let her know and itinerary especially if she is not use to doing things like that. It gives her a heads up, and it also gives her a chance to put her 2 cents in. I think that will take the force out of it. Now is she going to enjoy every part of your “plan” of course not she’s a kid! Now I know I am younger that most who read this (given that the average PF member is aged 50) but kids today are growing up faster than ever, and if you are looking for respect from a kid, you need to respect them, they understand more than most give them credit for. So with a little heads up I think your niece will enjoy her next visit with you and respect you more for taking her opinions and ideas into considerations!
We need to work hard at getting these kids interactive and outdoors; otherwise this passion of ours will die with us!
Dan . . . Excellent suggestion for our niece’s next visit to develop a plan and let her have some input ahead of time. It’s nice to hear how involved you are too at 27. If/when you have kids, I’ll bet they will have lots of neat opportunities to explore the outdoors. I agree that we can’t less our passion die — we have to pass it on! Thanks for writing!