Sigh. What happened to the good ol’ days when our children begged to go outside?
And when we said, “Time to go home,” they’d resist, and all hell would break loose for the next 15 minutes until we managed to wrangle them into the car.
But it seems like these days, no matter what fun event is taking place outside, they still refuse to leave the house, remaining glued to their phones or computers.
As a parent, you know that staying inside all the time isn’t good for them either.
Imagine a caged animal at the zoo and all that they’re missing out on. Just like those animals who are meant to be wild and free, so are your children.
From physical and mental health to their social life and personal growth, they suffer in more ways than one when they’re cooped up all day at home.
So if you’re starting to get worried for your child now, continue reading to find out how to get those couch potatoes to make full use of their time for the next 1-2 months!
Benefits of “Touching Grass”
“Touching Grass” is a Gen-Z slang term that refers to stopping internet activities and going out of your home.
The benefits of “touching grass” are pretty obvious.
Every ‘mini adventure’ that they have allows them to participate in at least a bit of exercise, which benefits their physical health.
Your child’s mental health also benefits from the fresh air and sunlight too.
It might seem miniscule, but the extra sunlight and oxygen allow their body to produce the “happy chemical” serotonin while lowering the “stress hormone” cortisol. It also reduces self-isolation, which might cause depression.
So let’s not let that happen.
It’s the holidays! It’s the time for fun, not depressive moping alone at home.
Socially, it’s pretty obvious how they’ll benefit, right? Meeting friends and having to interact with other humans or the cafe barista when they go out gives them a chance to practice their social skills.
They also get many chances to practice their creativity, independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills too!
Like, “Oh no, I dropped my bubble tea on the floor of the MRT train. What should I do now?”
So they go through personal growth each time too.
See, I wasn’t joking when I called “touching grass” a ‘mini adventure’ above!
Now, How Do You Actually Get Them to Go Out?
Let’s turn your little couch potato into a baked potato!
This actually requires some tactics, patience, and planning ahead.
But let me just state that the monologue didn’t work last week, and it won’t work this time either, parents.
You can’t just barge into their room again and start your monologue about how they’re wasting their time, bringing shame to the family, and that being lazy will get them nowhere in life.
Think about what you’re doing to them. Shaming, blaming, and name-calling won’t get them to leave their room.
In fact, they might just rebel against you out of spite and not even leave their bed anymore!
You know how dramatic kids can be.
Anyways, relax.
Your child is probably just burnt out from the school semester and wants to take a break to recharge themselves before thinking about heading back out to society.
So instead, give them the time and space to want to go out themselves. You can nudge them in the right direction without forcing the idea onto them.
Be the wind in their back, not the spit in their face.
Addressing the Real Issue Here
Another point to remember is that cooping themselves in their room isn’t the enemy here.
It’s the time-wasting binge-watching, sleep marathons, and seeing how long they can go without showering before they start to smell bad for the next 1-2 months; that’s the real issue.
Because, hey, they could be cooped up in their room because they’re finishing the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ or building a robot!
Set Expectations
Firstly, sit your child down and express why you’re concerned for them.
Are you afraid that they’ll let go of their health during this period? Or perhaps that the lack of social interactions might take a toll on their mental and social health?
Plan Ahead
Your child is probably in ‘relax mode’ now and doesn’t want to do much.
So set some reachable goals for them. It could be going out to their favourite spot this week or going for a walk in the park twice next week.
Planning ahead for your child’s mini adventures will make them excited to get out and do it, especially if it involves something they love doing.
So create a ‘Holiday Activities Calendar’ or list filled with activities you know they’d love. This might motivate them to leave their cave.
What are their hobbies, favourite pastimes, or activities they’ve shown an interest in?
Take this time to let them indulge in their hobbies and interests, as well as try out new activities.
If your child’s interested in arts and crafts, sign them up for an art jamming session.
If they love whipping up Chinese dishes in the kitchen, expand their horizons by signing them up for a Peranakan or Indian cooking class.
Have they been watching videos of terrarium making? Surprise them with the materials! Even better, involve them in the process of getting the materials. Engaging them two days in a row? Score!
This keeps their brains sharp and their learning spirit alive during the holidays.
Remember to Offer Help or Assistance.
During this time, you’ll have to put on multiple hats, but it’s nothing you haven’t done as a parent already.
If your child expresses some discomfort, anxiety, or stress about going out in public, put your understanding counsellor hat on.
If your child wants to head out but can’t find a friend who’s available, put your companion hat on.
If your child would like to attend a workshop but hasn’t a penny on them, put your generous hat on.
You’ll get the added benefit of spending time with them and getting to know your child on a deeper level.
They just change so quickly now, don’t they?
Don’t Forget Yourself Too
But of course, set some limits and boundaries. Don’t neglect your own work and well-being while being there for your child.
Remember to take breaks and have “me time” too. You can’t be there for your child if you have no energy or patience left to give!
So remember, while being generous with your time, effort, and patience during this time is important, it’s ok to say ‘no’ sometimes too.
Conclusion
Lastly, remember to give them time and space to chill and find their mojo again.
As their parent, nudge them in the right direction without pushing them too much. Once you get the cogs going, the machine starts running again.
With time, they’ll eventually regain their energy and find the joy in life. Then you can pat yourself for a job well done and who knows? You might even have to wrangle them into the car again!
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