General Discussion » Where to play? Inside or Out?

Last June, Ebie attended the World Forum Conference for early childhood education, in Belfast Ireland. Outdoor play was the focus for everyone.

In recent months the importance of children playing outside in a natural setting has become the focus of educational organizations and government officials around the world. Statistics are everywhere with shocking numbers that are hard to ignore - Time in front of TV's & electronics, health & obesity rates, behavior problems, feelings of depression or anxiety, etc.. The solution has not been as simple as getting back outside. Fear of predators or conflict has many parents inclined to allow kids to stay inside playing games or texting with friends online for long periods of time. Others will debate that there if minimal, if any, harm done.

Country Friends works to provide as many natural, outdoor activities as possible.

What does your family enjoy doing outdoors? What did you like doing when you were a kid? Have you found a good balance between electronic connections versus the natural, face to face interactions?

Hi! Great post!

One of the things that drew me to Country Friends is the emphasis put on outside play. I think it's so important to have a safe place for kids to explore and run and play and imagine! Giving kids simple props such as boxes or making paper hats or simple kites during art time to wear and play with outside to encourage imaginative play seem so important and FUN!

As I child, I played outside all day every day. We weren't even allowed in the house during the day unless it was pouring rain! We recently moved to a rural property from the Portland area. My son is 4 years old and was starting to fear getting dirty and was unable to play much outside due to busy streets, fear of predators, etc. Since we have moved, he has dirty fingers and feet every day and I LOVE it! I have watched as his appreciation for nature and concern for the earth is growing as well.

He has an electronic book reader and he enjoys sitting on the porch reading books and listening to the birds each morning. I think it has been a great way to combine his interest in various electronics and being outside at the same time. The rest of his outside time is more running, riding bikes, and digging and pushing trucks and trains around.

We look forward to starting school at Country Friends this fall, and getting to know other parents on this forum as well.

Loved Cindy's reply. Sometimes I watch the sheer joy I see in children outside and know we are doing the right thing. I appreciate our parents understanding of dirty kids are having fun. Any opinions on mud, bare feet and dirt?

I agree! It's the exploration, discovery, and free play which I was so excited about at Country Friends. Our family tries to watch little or no TV through out the day. We do not promote or encourage our kids to play video games, and we limit the computer alphabet site, out little one loves so much. We much prefer to be out side to play, and I love the play and so what if they get messy attitude. That is why we have washing machines.