Enter to win a THiNK OUTSiDE Subscription! APV $130!

I don't know about you, but I'm finding it to be a disturbing trend that kids are no longer spending lots of time outside like they did years ago. When I was growing up in the '60s, I was outside as much as I possibly could be. Of course, life was different back then and we kids were free to ride our bikes through town, go hiking in the woods, swimming in the creek, and walking the railroad trails past the hobo camps. If only it were safe for this generation of kids to do the same. 

But despite the changes, there has to be time for kids to get outside and explore.

THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes is a monthly subscription service focused on outdoor exploration AND a year-long curriculum. The service provides quality, useful gear along with thoughtful activities and educational information that encourage kids to get outside and play. It is not just about the gear or the information, but using both in tandem to become more skilled in outdoor life, while encouraging family involvement. The monthly themed boxes promote character building while instilling confidence, independence, and empathy.

FACT: Today's children are spending an average of 4-7 MINUTES of unstructured play outside, and 7.5 HOURS in front of devices!

THiNK OUTSiDE is a 2019 

Parent’s Choice Silver Award recipient!

What's Inside THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes? 

Throughout the year, each themed monthly box includes outdoor gear, water-resistant resource cards, a 20+ page educational activity booklet, as well as an outdoor challenge to do as a family. Your first box comes with a lightweight packable daypack. You choose your color (Orange, Blue, or Magenta)!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES!

THiNK OUTSiDE boxes foster a learning experience that encourages critical and strategic thinking, creativity, and outdoor life skills. The Hands-on lessons are everything a homeschool family could hope for when teaching/learning STEM. AND they even offer curriculum resources to accompany their boxes too! Preview the seasonally appropriate lesson plans at the THiNK OUTSiDE website.

Visit THiNK OUTSiDE to learn more and subscribe today!

Use the Code 10OFF to receive $10 Off Your Into Box!

Enter to win a Quarterly Subscription to THiNK OUTSiDE!

The giveaway is open US Only, 18+

The giveaway ends 5/10 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Be sure to come back daily for more chances to win.

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Unplug your kids this summer

I'm really happy to have Monta as a guest blogger today, because I think this is a really important post. While ridding our lives of toxins and our countries of Monsanto are both key issues for me, there are child-rearing issues that are right up there alongside them on my priority list. Getting kids away from electronics on a regular basis is, in my mind, essential for raising creative and healthy kids.

Monta has three children of her own and serves as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to various organizations and groups. She is also a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance and is a regular contributor for nanny jobs.  She welcomes your emails.

 

Photo by Peter Griffin

Unplug Your Kids This Summer

Tired of hearing the incessant dings, pings, bonks, horns, bams and teeth grinding music from your kids video games and television shows? Kids these days have every gadget and gizmo under the sun, but now that summer is here, it’s time to get them unplugged and away from the world of electronics. Start by placing strict rules on when and how long they may play with the electronics. However, since you have taken away something, you need to give them something to do with that spare time now. Consider these three activities: 

Summer camp: There are many different types of summer camps offered for all age groups. You can try day camps or overnight camps (from 1 day a week to 2 weeks at a time). Find what is best for your child by determining what they are comfortable with. There are sports, religious, creative and educational camps everywhere; all you need to do is to start looking! 

Big projects: Craft projects that require time and supplies are a great way to keep your child away from the video games and television. Find several large projects for your child to choose from and gather the materials for it. The key is to find a project that will keep their attention long enough, so be sure it’s something they will really enjoy. 

Classes and lessons: During the school year, your child keeps busy with school, play dates and extracurricular activities, so when summer approaches, it’s their down time. Embrace that down time, because it’s a great time for them to explore things they didn’t have room in their schedules for during school. Many local organizations and clubs offer music, art, sports and other hobby lessons for a low cost. Allow your child to choose something that interests them and who knows, you may never hear that computer game again. 

As I said, once you take their electronics from them, you must fill the void with an activity that interests your child; this is the only way for them to get unplugged and into something more beneficial for them. Remember to find something they thoroughly enjoy and is challenging to them. Have fun and hide those remotes! 

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While I don't usually add to articles written by my wonderful guest bloggers, I do want to add that kids need unstructured activities as well. The answer isn't necessarily filling up every hour of their day with structure. In order for kids to truly explore their creativity, they need time, pure and simple. Unplugged, and unstructured, time. Don't let the incessant, "I'm bored" whine deter you. Let them be bored. It just might be the gateway to discovering the true creative genius hiding behind the  incessant dings, pings, bonks, horns, bams and teeth grinding music!