Tips for Getting Your Kids Outside

This post is sponsored by Humana.

Do you ever compare your childhood to your child’s? Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between my own childhood and my boys’. Some of the differences between the two are almost scary!

When I was a growing up (way back when), we practically lived outside. Being indoors was pure torture; we might as well be locked in prison! During the summer we would head out the door to play with our friends as soon as we woke up and we didn’t return until dinnertime most days.

Fast forward to the present; we are now living in a world where video games, tablets/electronic devices and cell phones rule our youth and consume most of their free time. As a parent, I wonder (and worry) about my children’s health and whether or not they are getting the adequate amount of time spent outdoors that they need.

When I heard Humana was sponsoring the National Geographic quiz to test Nature Engagement Levels (N.E.L.s) I thought, ok this is exactly what I need to checkout for my family!  After reviewing, I discovered that my hunch was right. We need to get outdoors more and increase our N.E.L.s!

Could you imagine what the world would be like if we all took steps to live a healthier life by spending more time outdoors enjoying the beautiful things Mother Nature has to offer?

Taking steps doesn’t mean you have to change your entire lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be complicated or consume your entire day. We don’t have to start day one by hiking up a mountain.

We can start with baby steps! If you can’t get outside bring elements of nature indoors. Add houseplants or succulents to your desk or select a beautiful photo of nature as your computer’s screensaver. Turn off the TV and go on a family bike ride on your local nature trail. Pack a simple picnic and walk to the park with the kiddos.

Then work your way up to bigger things! Go camping at a nearby campground for the weekend. Instead of looking at amusement parks for the next family vacation start checking out national parks.

Humana has inspired me to take my family to the next step. They are sponsoring the National Park Service’s Centennial Celebration. They celebrate the health benefits of the National Parks and encourage everyone to get out and active in the parks!

Take the National Geographic quiz, sponsored by Humana, to check you and your families Nature Engagement Levels! Then, find a park near you!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Humana. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Humana. The opinions and text are all mine.