It's ok to admit you are not totally comfortable with how to play with your child. Some parents just didn't learn how to play themselves and can't think up activities that are fun. Getting on the floor, being able to look eye to eye, and taking time to relate at the child's level all seem to be a waste of time to an adult. However, parent-child time together is more valuable than a new toy to a child. Indoors, there are distractions such as the computer, television, paying bills, and cell phones. However, outdoors opens up a whole new world of possibilities while providing fresh air and potentially more movement which is better for health. Studies show that "green" environments are better for children's learning and health. Emerging research even shows that children with attention deficit become more focused after spending some time in natural settings before returning to paper-pencil work.  But what should you do outdoors?  Whether you live in a high rise or have a home with a fenced backyard, there are things to do. And each season brings new possibilities.

Try some of these for starters: take a walk, draw on the driveway with chalk, pain on the side of the house with water and a paintbrush, turn tape sticky side out on the a young child's wrist and collect nature items to make a bracelet, plant seeds in a container, dig, look under rocks, place an old rag or piece or carpet on the ground and a week later, peel it up to look for bugs, use collecting dishes for cool things you find, use food coloring in a spray bottle on snow, use food coloring in a pan of water, use bubbles with various blowers and containers, build a fort with blankets, pack a picnic, stargaze, watch and listen for birds, play "I spy," draw, read, visit a park, walk to the store.

Now, think up more ideas on your own.  Give your child the gift of time!