Encouraging a love of the outdoors in your children

Tender Corporation offers products like Natrapel® 6hr and After Bite to take away the worry of bug bites so children can focus on enjoying the outdoors. (CNW Group/Tender Corp)

TORONTO, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ - There's nothing that helps kids develop the skills necessary for leading a healthy and active lifestyle quite like fostering a love of outdoor play. Outdoor learning environments stimulate the diversity of children's play and contribute to their healthy development. Spending time outside keeps kids active and healthy as well as helps support a lifetime love of the outdoors.

With a schedule full of piano lessons, sporting events, homework and ever-present technology, it can be difficult to find time to get your kids outdoors. Here are three tips on how to encourage a love of the outdoors:

1. Make it an educational experience. Teach your kids about distinct types of bugs and plants and challenge them to identify them on a hike or nature walk. Try turning it into a game!
2. Sign them up for outdoor programs. Organizations like Scouts Canada or Girl Guides of Canada offer incredible experiences among nature while helping kids learn important outdoor skills.
3. Give them a responsibility such as planting, and caring for, a garden. From choosing the type of plants and seeds, to weeding and watering, your child will experience the satisfaction that comes with caring for something that is their responsibility. 

While fostering a love of the outdoors, it's important to protect your children from itchy mosquito bites as best as possible, while protecting their delicate skin. Natrapel® 6hr is a Lemon Eucalyptus formula that is as effective as DEET and provides up to six hours of protection from biting insects and ticks. This plant-based active ingredient is derived from oil of lemon eucalyptus, recently approved by Health Canada as an effective, DEET-free alternative.

However, they will inevitably come home with a few scratches and bug bites. If the bugs get the best of them, break out the After Bite. It is a great treatment that provides instant relief from insect bites and stings. It's simple to apply and is available in a gel or kid's formula, perfect for those with sensitive skin. After Bite is conveniently packaged for portable use so, whether you're playing at the cottage or in your back yard, After Bite is there after a long day outside.

In a world where your family is constantly on the go, it's important to step back and encourage your child to spend some time outdoors; a pastime that will assist in their development and promote overall healthy habits.

SOURCE Tender Corp

Dalia Kimmel, [email protected], 613-883-9125