This Saturday, September 24th is Worldwide Day of Play.  At first I thought, what a great idea!  But then I realized how really sad it is that we even have to have a day like this.  But being the mom to two teenagers I completely understand :)  
When I was young being outside was just part of being a kid.  I have fond memories of playing hopscotch, football, or just sitting outside with my friend Janice.  When we purchased our first home it had a HUGE backyard and I made sure my kids were outside as much as possible.  We built a sandbox (a really large) one and had a play structure to keep them busy.  I know not every child is lucky enough to even have a yard to play in these days.  Once we moved the yard was smaller but I still made sure that we were outside.  We were homeschooling at the time so we would often do lessons outdoors, just to get out of the house.  We planted a garden, raised caterpillars into butterflies, watched butterflies in our area migrating and even thought we homeschooled I made sure that once a week they participated in a group P.E. activity.  Those are some of the best memories!  
 
In a house with two teenagers it is a little bit more challenging and I admit I am a little bit more lazy myself :)  It is harder to find things to do outdoors with two teenagers who love to be on the computer!  But I pledge to try harder.  If you feel the same as I do then visit Clorox at http://clorox2play2day.com and pledge to get outside more with your children

The Worldwide Day of Play is the centerpiece of Nickelodeon's The Big Help, a program to empower kids and families to make healthy lifestyle choices every day. On September 24, 2011, kids and families are encouraged to participate in the Worldwide Day of Play to turn off the TV and play outside. Physical activity can improve health, self-esteem and the well being of children. Teach kids a healthier lifestyle of limited TV time and a more physical activities.  Clorox 2® is a proud sponsor of Nickelodeon's 8th Annual Worldwide Day of Play.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here