My two older boys are not natural “play outside” kids. I know that sounds really weird, but both of them literally have no idea what to do with themselves when we have them come outside to play. I think winter squashes their outdoor imagination. Carter is definitely worse than Brayden, and literally asks every five minutes if he can go back inside to play. I spent about four hours outside working and he chose to still stay inside and play for most of that time.

So, this summer will be interesting. I keep giving Carter the “this summer you’re going to have to learn how to play outside” lecture. He isn’t into sports like the other two, so kicking around a ball, shooting baskets or practicing throwing and hitting isn’t at the top of his list. And he doesn’t like bugs, frogs, snakes or any other outdoor critter of any kind. So that’s out too. He doesn’t like to be too hot. He doesn’t like to be too cold. Good grief. . . I guess he could care less if it’s winter all year.

What are some of your strategies for getting the kids to play outside independently?