It’s no secret that teenagers these days are glued to their electronic devices. From smartphones to gaming consoles, it seems like there’s nothing our kids want more than to be plugged in. As parents, we often worry about the impact this has on their development, especially when getting them interested in outdoor adventures. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll share five tips that will help your teen fall in love with the great outdoors.
1. Talk to Them About the Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
We all know that spending time outdoors is good for our physical and mental health, but sometimes it can be hard to get our kids to see beyond their screens. Try sitting down with your teen and explaining the benefits of spending time in nature – from reducing stress levels to improving focus and concentration. Chances are, they’ll be more receptive to the idea if they understand how it can benefit them. If you’re struggling to get your teenager interested in anything, try bribing them! Promise them a new piece of technology or something else they’ve been wanting if they agree to go on one outdoor adventure with you. It doesn’t have to be something big – even a simple hike will do.
2. Choose an Activity That’s Tailored to Their Interests
Not all outdoor activities are created equal, and if you want your teen to actually enjoy themselves, it’s essential to choose an activity that’s tailored to their interests. For example, if they’re into sports, try planning a hiking or biking trip. If they’re more of a creative type, consider taking them on a nature walk where they can take photos or collect leaves and flowers. And if they’re simply not the outdoorsy type, there are still plenty of options – from visiting a nearby park or going for a picnic in the backyard. The key is to find something that they’ll actually enjoy so that they don’t end up feeling bored or frustrated.
3. Make it a Social Event
Let’s face it – teenagers are social creatures. So if you want them to enjoy spending time outdoors, make it a social event! For example, invite their friends along on your next hike or nature walk, or plan a camping trip with another family. This way, they’ll be able to spend time with their friends while still getting some quality outdoor time. And who knows – they might even start to appreciate the great outdoors more than they ever thought possible!
4. Get Them Involved in the Planning
Another way to get your teen interested in outdoor adventures is to involve them in the planning process. Ask them for input on where to go and what to do, and let them help you pack for the trip. This will not only make them feel more invested in the trip, but it will also give you a chance to bond with them as you chat about your plans. Plus, it’s always helpful to have an extra set of hands when it comes to packing. Just remember to do diligent research on where you are going. For example, if you are going to spend the weekend in a cabin surrounded by nature and the area is known for skunk or other rodent visitors, make sure you have the local area’s skunk removal service in your contact list. Like all good scouts – be prepared!
5. Make it a Regular Thing
If you want your teen to really fall in love with the great outdoors, make spending time outdoors a regular thing. Set aside some time each week or weekend to go on an adventure, and stick to it even when the weather isn’t cooperating. The more they spend time outdoors, the more they’ll start to appreciate all that nature has to offer – and who knows, they might even thank you for it one day!
Hopefully, these tips will help you get your teenager interested in spending time outdoors. Just remember that it takes time and patience – but it’s definitely worth it in the end. So get out there and start exploring! Your teenager (and your whole family) will thank you for it.
