My Son Prefers Playing Outside than Staying at Home...

That is wonderful that he likes to play outdoors. I was an outdoors child myself. Never wanted to come in. It's better than learning to become a couch potato, and eating his way through watching tv. Nowadays, it's very difficult to get a child to go outdoors. I wish my son had the opportunity to go out and play in the lawn or back yard. Unfortunately we live in an apartment building and we have to hop in the car and drive to the nearest park. He doesn't like it, and neither do I. Just set the rules so he knows that when it's time for lunch or dinner, he must abide by them. If he eats what he supposed to then he may go out again.

count your blessings!
He could be one of those kids that want to do nothing but sit and play video games.
him going outside means he will be healtier than other kids.
Not wanting to come inside for dinner is NORMAL.
You might try getting him to help fix dinner, giving a "job" during dinner prep.

As long as he is safe (since he is only 4 yrs old so playing outside with other children seems a bit young if they are not in the company of adults or in a fenced yard, etc), honestly.............
THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS!!!!
So many kids today are couch potatoes, and all they want to do is sit at home on the computer, play video games, or have such crazy and hecitc schedules with all of their activities that they DO NOT KNOW HOW TO BE KIDS anymore! I have such fond memories of childhood in my neighborhood, playing with the kids who lived near me, all during the summer ad after school. We couldn't wait to get outside and set up some type of game, etc. I rarely see any of that these days anymore. I can barely get my own kids to go out in our own yard and play with the NUMEROUS thing we have bought for them, for example swings, trampoline, climbing sets, basketball hoop, soccer goals, badmitten/ volleyball, tetherball, gold sets, bikes, scooters, motorized scooters, YOU NAME IT..... we have tried it. They go out for MAYBE an hour, and it's back in the house they come. It's too hot, or too cold. They are bored. Whatever. Then they wnat to watch Tv, play video games, use the computer, etc. Playing outside with other kids is one of the best ways for a child to learn good social skills, use their imagination, and to be healthy and burn calories. Not to mention, all of the vitamin D and fresh air they are getting. Hooray for you, like I said, as long as your child is safe, don't sweat it! Be happy! Obviously mealtimes are non negotiable, but the other thing to remember is now you know what the child loves, so you have some great currency to work with to help ensure good behavior. (taking away outside time if they don't listen, etc) Whatever you are doing Mama, keep it up because you will have a healthy child. Don't take it personal. You have an active outdoor kind of kid!

Good for him! That's the way most kids used to be before we turned into a nation of tubby little video and computer drones. ENCOURAGE IT! Let him know that sometimes he MUST come home and there are times -like dinner-when it's time to come in and eat. Sometimes you have to do something in the house and you can't monitor him outdoors or check on him, so he'll have to play with indoor toys like when it's a rainy day. Let him play outside though just as much as humanly possible -be happy you have a kid like that! Develop it, encourage it -make it a lifelong goal to be outdoors. Read, "Last Child in the Woods" -great book about making outdoor kids (you're over half the way there ;-)

I'd be happy my child wanted to play outside rather than sit inside all day veggin infront of the tv or video games.

Anyway, you have to be a parent. Tell him he may go play, but when you tell him it's time to come home, it's just that. There's to be no whining, no fits, no asking for an extention, etc. If he does, then he's done playing with the friends for X amount of time until he can learn to respect your authority.

I agree with the first mom that so long as he is safe, this is what you want. However, 4 year olds do like to push their boundaries. Make sure you tell him before he goes out that if he doesn't listen to you when you call him to come in, he won't be allowed to go back out - and stick to this. Also, make sure he knows where he is and is not allowed to play. If he wants his freedom, he has to earn it through good behavior. Good luck!

Set boundaries that you're comfortable with and stick with them. If you're not comfortable with him being gone all day (I wouldn't be) then set it up for him to spend an hour out with friends etc. and then come play in his back yard. You can also go with him and read a book while he's out playing with his friends so you can keep an eye on him too. Then after 20 minutes or so say "Okay, it's time to go home to play." I don't allow my kids to play out front by themselves at any age. HTH =)

He's going to be a leader or free spirited adventurer for sure!! Watch, he'll sail the seven seas before the end of his life :)

He really sounds completely normal and engrossed in his play that he can't be bothered with boring life details like stopping to eat. It's probably an intrusion to him.

So if you have the patience, when you go find him for dinner I would ask what he is playing, and then entice him to come eat with his 'pirates' or 'space captain' - you get the drift. So he doesn't have to break out of character.

Thank God. Instead of wanting to sit in front of TV or playing video games. Fresh air, activity I wouldn't curb it I'd endorse it. As far as dinnertime, just tell him he can play till his hearts desire but at 6pm he is in having dinner. Tell him if he doesn't comply, the next day he'll have to come in a 1/2 hour earlier. He'll agree.

Of course! He is a 4 year old boy! Great that he gets to run, run, run. You can still require that he sit to eat. Don't beg, just require he sit to eat - whenever he eats. He has to sit at the eating table, on his bottom, facing the table. If he doesn't, he doesn't eat. Give him regular food, lots of water, fresh fruit and vegetables. Enjoy! He is not rejecting you or saying he doesn't want to spend time with you. Try to figure out what is making you mad - it's something you need to work on (I know, I have a lot of things that trigger anger in me) - it will make your life and his a lot nicer!

Why would this make you angry? It is normal for children to crave companionship and outdoor adventure rather than playing alone all day. Give him time with his friends, but let him know what the limits are and that you cannot spend the entire day, every day, supervising him outside. At 4, if he is not yet in preschool, I would enroll him for some social time with friends, and invite other kids over for playdates. There needs to be a middle ground, and even if he asks for more outside time than you can manage, just let him know when a good time will be and remind him of your other responsiblities. It's up to you to set limits.

My son is the same way! It started last year when he was 5. He would get mad when it was time for dinner. We had to start a rule that if he did not come in right away when called then there would be a consequence (I'd take away his scooter or bike use for the next day). I would follow through on it and he shaped up right away! It made me sad for a while that he didn't want to do things as much with me, but I guess it is apart of growing up. He changed again this year (he's now in 1st grade and is 6.5yrs) and he now does not spend ALL his time playing w neighborhood kid outside...he's now more moderate and likes both inside and outside time. One thing I did start last year is we would have a mom/son date night once every other week. He LOVED that bc it made him feel very special and he got to go out with me without his sister. Also, one afternoon a week we would all go and do something together after school. I felt like I needed SOME time with him! Now things are more "equal" and I don't worry about it as much.

You should count your blessings. Playing outside is wonderful. Good use of energy. Getting fresh air. Would you prefer he be a couch potato and play video games all day?! I do understand that there are times when he needs to come inside. Sounds like he is having a hard time transitioning from fun play to boring things like dinner! Maybe you can try doing the 10 minute warning as in "sweetie, in 10 minutes, I'll need you to come inside for dinner." Then give him a 5 minute warning and then he needs to come inside with you.

Good luck! (this is a good problem by the way!)