Once you turn the TV off and padlock the video games like any good Gaming Gatekeeper, how do you get your kids to head outside? Meagan Francis wrote a thoughtful article on ways parents can help surmount barriers to outdoor play.

• Hurdle "There isn't anyone out there to play with!" by setting bait -- kids have a way of catching other kids. Parents can organize an outside schedule with other available neighborhood parents. Schedule Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm for neighborhood playtime, whatever works best for the group.
  
• Hurdle "We're too busy!" by prioritizing play or even getting it on the community calendar. One school district offers Walking Wednesdays, where kids and parents walk to school rain or shine. Like carpools, walkpools keep kids moving, rotating supervision among parents.
• Hurdle "It's not safe!" with safe, age-appropriate ground rules. Perhaps your ten-year-old can play a few blocks away, while your six-year-old has to stay in front yards, within eyesight. You make the call, but remember, our recent habits of indoor gaming, too much TV and lack of active play is contributing to the childhood obesity problem.

Most barriers can be overcome -- read the full article for more creative ways to get grass stains on their jeans.

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