the gift of green time

Spending time outdoors with children is more important than ever before, as today’s kids have more screen time than green time. While toddlers can swipe a screen, few have tickled their bare feet in the grass. Teens are tech experts, but how many have camped under the stars? If these sentiments resonate with you, you are not alone. The good news is that springtime makes it easier to get outdoors and enjoy all nature has to offer!

If you grew up in the 90’s, you may remember your parents instituting “Turn off the TV Week” in late April. As a young mom, I turned off the TV for one week (despite some moaning and groaning), and our family discovered new ways to spend time together. We took neighborhood bike rides (with an occasional stop for ice cream). We play old-fashioned board games. We hiked in a new park and counted how many dogs we encountered. Hours of family time opened up that had previously been consumed by passive, non-interactive activity.

Here’s your chance to make your own “Turn off the Screen Week”. What activities would you like to introduce your kids to if you just had more time?

For more ideas of how to spend quality time outdoors, check out my Gift of Green Time book series at https://www.bevgillen.com.