Like many parents, I’ve become more and more concerned about how much time my children spend in front of screens. Tablets, phones and gaming consoles seem to keep them glued to the sofa for hours. I understand that technology has its place and can even be educational, but when it starts to take over outdoor play, I know something needs to change.
It became especially clear during weekends. The weather would be perfect, yet the kids would still be indoors, eyes locked on a screen. I’d suggest they go outside, but without anything exciting out there, they’d lose interest almost straight away.
That’s when I decided to do something about it. I wanted the garden to feel like a place where fun happens. Not just a space to pass through, but somewhere they would choose to spend their time.
The first thing I bought was a football goal. It didn’t take long before my son was out there practising free kicks and penalty shots. His younger sister joined in, sometimes happily, sometimes after a bit of coaxing. It reminded me of my own childhood, when all we needed was a ball and something to aim at.
Soon after, we added a rebounder. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. The kids use it all the time. It keeps them active, helps them build coordination and gives them a reason to stay outside longer. Even my partner has taken a few turns, clearly enjoying it as much as the children.
Then we discovered pickleball. A friend had mentioned it and I decided to give it a try. We got a simple kit, marked out a small court, and just like that, we had another way to play together as a family. The rules are easy to pick up and it doesn’t take much space. Best of all, everyone joins in and has a laugh.
Since we made these changes, I’ve noticed a real difference. The kids are more energetic, they sleep better, and they’re spending more time with each other instead of glued to a device. When their friends come round, the garden is where they all head first. The screens are still there, but they’re no longer the centre of attention.
If you’re feeling the same way I was, wondering how to tempt your children away from their screens, think about your outdoor space. You don’t need to spend a lot. A football goal, a bounce net or a couple of rackets can spark something that brings the whole family outside.
Watching your kids get stuck into active play, laughing and learning new skills, really is one of the best feelings. If you are limited for outdoor space then a lot of these kits are portable and can be taken to the park. We have regularly take the football goal or the pickleball set to the park as a family.