Happy November! 

Is anyone else in shock that it is November?! It's Thanksgiving this month. I can't believe it. 

Today's blog post topic is something I am very passionate about. It is all about letting your kids run wild and free in the outdoors. 

I grew up in a very small town. My neighbors growing up were mine and my sisters best friends. We would play and play. The entire town was our playground. We would make huts on our neighbors land and scooter down every hill. Getting us to go outside was no task. We wanted to be outside getting dirty, and using our imagination. The best part is, our parents allowed it. Yes, we would have to check in every hour but they allowed us to wonder and explore. Our imaginations ran wild, and so did we. 

I am now 24 years old and wow, times have changed. Kids aren't getting outside like they use to and I don't think it's the kids fault. I think it has a lot to do with the parents. I'm as guilty as the next mom, Ipads and TV's are so convenient. Quite frankly, I don't think they are bad. Ellie learns and interacts with her shows and a lot of them teach valuable life lessons. I don't think there is harm in watching a movie, however, there is harm in not breathing in fresh air.

 In a recent article from Besawyer Blog , it said that more and more kids are having issues with their vision. Many kids are becoming near sighted from lack of natural sunlight. Some are saying there is an epidemic happening in Taiwan for Nearsightedness. The article stated that every hour spent outside in natural light, decreases the odds for nearsightedness by two percent!

Not only does playing outside help eyesight, it also aids in coordination, self confidence, problem solving skills, increases imagination and more. There is no question that a little fresh air and exercise will relieve stress and anxiety, not only for kids, but parents as well. 

I am making a challenge to play outside with Ellie for at least one hour a day. No cell phone, no distractions. Just Ellie and I. Do you want to take the challenge too? Comment below with outdoor activities you like to do with your child in Fall and Winter. If we all work together we can achieve this goal, and see the positive impact that getting outside has on everyone!

I can't wait to hear how your challenge is going. I look forward to reading your ideas.

XoXo,

Briana Marie Smith 

Ellie's Bear Tee: BeSawyer