Discussions

Maybe I'm blind, and in this case I hope i can't see the forest from the trees but I just don't see kids outside much at all lately.  
 
I took my kids tobogganing a few times in a few different areas... No other kids or parents there.  
 
Went walking on trails, playing in parks and just generally out and about but there doesn't seem to be any kids out and about much. I know, winter is here, but we were almost always outside all year long. Is it just my timing is off or am I just that blind?  
 
I'd like to see kids outside exercising and playing more. Good old fashioned fun. What do you think? Are kids outside as much or hardly out at all?  
 
Thanks for your feedback.

No. With video games and Internet many stay inside.

Not too many parents want to venture outside in the cold, which isn't surprising, but it is unfortunate! So many fun things to do outdoors in the winter, even though it takes a long time to dress appropriately. I haul my brood outside daily, and while it is at times hard: there are tears for the first part of winter over skipants and boots 'not going on right', 'it's coooooold out here!' I just don't see how you can get through a day at home without taking your kids out lol. Can somebody say 'cabin fever'?

is outside constantly. In fact, after the first snow fall, her (7 years old), and two friends (one 5 and the other 9) grabbed shovels and went around the neighborhood shoveling people's side walks and door ways. We parent in a different style, we're old school, get the heck outside!

It's not just the video games, etc. that keep the kids inside, it's also the overly scheduled lifestyles of most people. Most kids are at school or daycare programs all day long, and then have hockey or music lessons, etc. etc. in the evenings and on weekends. A lot of kids don't have the time to be just kids because they are scheduled in to so many activities.  
I hope I am giving my kids a good balance. Our weekdays are usually fairly full, but we always try to make time to just play and be outside lots on the weekends. My kids aren't scared to get out there with a shovel and help in the winter or dig in the dirt in the summer either to get the garden in, etc.

People are busy. Kids can’t be left “unattended” these days so parents just keep them in. Plus like someone said there are so many extra curricular activities people are running too. Luckily for us we are in the country and there is lots of outside time. My daughter helps shovel snow and rides on the quad with me when I plow snow.

Saturday the sledding hill by our house waa full. Sunday there were a few families but that wind was colder than it looked.  
 
Assuming lazy parents/video games is unfair. Kids might be in their backyards,swimming, skating,at a friend's house, building forts, Lego, crafts, baking, reading, board games. There's lots to do indoors other than watch tv!

Many parents work. I know my kids and many of my friends children as well have to be up by 530 or 6 to go to before and after care/school/daycare and then don't get home until 5/5 30. Factor in homework, supper, and prep for the next day and it's time to get to bed so they can get a good sleep.  
 
Depending on the age a child could play outside while their parent is making supper but that is up to the comfort of the parent and not outsiders.  
 
We get outside whenever we can and definitely wish we could get out more. It isn't for lack of wanting or lazy parenting or video games or the internet it's because we're doing our best to make a living!  
 
Enjoy your time outside with your kids but I wouldn't worry too much about others...I'm sure they are doing the best they can!

just went tobogganing tonight after supper with my wife and other parents at tobogganing hill

Young kids in daycare and older kids in school, get outside every day. With all the extra things to do after school/work, I can see how some families might not have time to fit in more outdoor time. It’s also nice to just let kids be kids and for some, they like to relax inside with games and books. And depending on age, some kids are more active indoors than outside with bulky clothing and learning to maneuver around snow and ice  
 
I think the only time it is concerning, is when the child ONLY stays inside and is on electrical devices all the time and is getting no physical activity. I hope this is rare though!!