����ý

When our kids hit those teenage years, often the last thing they want to do is step outside with their parents, but being outdoors together can make us feel good physically and mentally.

Kadra Abdinasir from the Centre for Mental Health says: “Research shows that spending time outdoors and in nature has many benefits and can help boost our overall wellbeing and mental health. Whether it’s a stroll in your local park, hiking or even birdwatching, being in nature can help improve our mood and help us feel more relaxed.”

So, how can we encourage our teenagers to step away from their smartphones and tap into those benefits? ����ý Bitesize has been speaking to several parents and outdoors enthusiasts: Dwayne Fields, an adventurer and dad of three; Fi Derby, an outdoors leader and mum of three; and Marie Cheng, a volunteer outdoors leader with teenage girls. Here are their tips…

1. Be clear about what you’re planning

Dwayne Fields says: “Remember, as parents, we are the overall final authority. We’re orchestrating a situation where it becomes the norm that we go out.

“Young people like to know what they’re going to do. Tell them what it is. Have some knowledge of where you’re going and fill in the gaps with the young person.”

Promising a film or favourite meal afterwards can help too. Dwayne says: “There need to be rewards, so that there’s something to look forward to - and also there’s an end point. For a lot of people the thought of going out on a cold wet damp day for hours is daunting, so you want to know when it’s coming to an end.”

2. Keep it simple

Marie Cheng says: “An adventure can still be me going out to a park. Change the narrative around what going outside is - you don’t have to do hard stuff. Kids don’t want to suffer, like the rest of us, so it doesn’t need to be a tough day straight away.”

Dwayne says: “Start small. The outdoors can be a scary place when you've not been out there often. If you live in the city, there are loads of free spaces - make use of them.”

It’s about the relationship you’re fostering.
– Dwayne Fields

3. Involve their mates

Fi Derby says: “When it comes to teenagers, they want to be doing things with their friends, so it’s finding ways to facilitate that.

“Joining in with awards like the Duke of Edinburgh award is really good. The expedition side gets young people enjoying working outdoors together. They work in teams and are independent in what they’re doing.”

Marie says: “The kids who go to [these outdoors groups] learn a lot of different life skills like teamwork, leadership and, most importantly, resilience.”

4. Find something they love

Dwayne says: “Young people tend to like being outside. They pretend they don’t but they do! Especially if it’s something they enjoy.”

Fi adds: “Mine were in Scouts. My sons joined, then my daughter did and then I did. So it became a whole fun family thing. They get to do a lot of different outdoor things. They might try sailing, hiking, camping, archery. They all picked up on something they liked from that. And my husband started canoeing, so we did lots of canoeing as a family too.”

Marie says: “It's about having a balance with kids outside - getting them to try out new activities, focusing on things like safety and discipline, but also having a laugh.”

5. Let them win

Fi says: “We also went on a few adventure holidays as a family. There were lots of different activities to try. Our kids were better at most things than I was - that was good for them!”

Dwayne says: “The moment your kids can teach you something, they get excited. They love to teach each other things and they love to teach you, the adult, something even more, whether you’re the parents or guardian.”

6. Be the cheerleader

Passion is contagious - it’s the most contagious emotion you can have.
– Dwayne Fields

Dwayne says: “When it gets miserable, that’s when you most need someone to say ‘Chin up, it’ll be over soon’. Parents need to keep morale up. If your energy is high and you’re positive they’ll pick up on that and give it a go.”

Marie adds: “Also, the role modelling of people who aren't too dissimilar to them is important. Getting interested groups of younger adults on board who are able to go to schools and talk about their experiences, and allow the teenagers to relate to them [is vital].”

7. Ask for their feedback

By asking for feedback, you are involving your teenager in the decision-making around your next outing.

Dwayne says: “It’s about saying: ‘Tell me how you feel? Was that so scary? Would you do it again? Would you bring your friends out here?’

“[When I’m out with a group], we stop for a moment and listen to the natural sounds… they can’t hear any traffic, cars or shouting. It’s a good place to reach back to.”

If you are concerned that you don’t have the right clothing to spend time outdoors, there are organisations that will safely loan or give kit to community walking groups. If you contact a group, your whole family may be able to benefit.

More from ����ý Bitesize Parents' Toolkit