I’ve heard all the familiar refrains. “Kids are cooped up inside too much.” “Children these days don’t get enough fresh air.” “Too much screen time, not enough time in nature.” “Back in my day, we just kicked our kids outside until dinner!”
I completely understand. My children would undoubtedly be healthier and happier, and I’d feel more at ease, if I could simply say, “Go outside!” and watch them enjoy the sun and dirt until dusk. However, the reality is far more complex.
I would love to tell my kids to grab their shoes and jackets and head to the yard to play, while I catch up on chores and the news. They would enjoy it even more than I would. But we live in an apartment without a yard, leaving us with just a narrow strip of grass behind the building. While they can play there, I still have to supervise closely to ensure they don’t wander off into the parking lot—or worse, face potential dangers. Simply put, a mere 9 square feet of grass isn’t enough to keep two energetic kids entertained for long.
Some might argue that my children are still quite young—almost 4 and 5 years old—and that as they grow older, I could send them off to explore with snacks in tow. Sure, I might consider that since we live in a relatively safe neighborhood, but what about those in less secure areas? What about working parents who arrive home after dark? Numerous factors must be taken into account.
As parents, one of our responsibilities is to provide our children with experiences that foster independence and prepare them for adulthood. Outdoor play is undeniably beneficial for their development, maturity, and overall happiness. Yet our primary duty is to keep them safe, and not everyone resides in a community where letting kids roam freely feels like a responsible choice.
Believe me, I do not wish to be an overprotective parent. I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors, feel the grass beneath their feet, and have the freedom to play. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many families, including ours.
So before you start lecturing that kids simply need more outdoor time and that parents are overly cautious these days, please consider the circumstances some of us face. Instead of adding to our guilt, offer support and encouragement. At the end of the day, we are doing our best, and a kind word can go a long way.
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In summary, while it may seem simple to just send children outside to play, the reality is much more nuanced for many families. Safety, location, and individual circumstances all play a critical role in how we navigate outdoor play.