With school holidays starting this weekend, this is a motto that should be remembered and practised in all households.

Although the sun might not be shining too often in the Highlands, this shouldn't deter children from experiencing the outdoors.

With the huge popularity of video games, social media and all things online, it is important children put their shoes and jackets on and step outdoors these holidays.

The number of children participating in physical activity outside of school is significantly low and as a result can have negative impacts on their

development and health.

According to an Australian health survey conducted by the Bureau of Statistics in 2012, only six out of 10 children aged between five and 14-years-old participate in sport outside of school. The survey also found that 25 per cent of Australian youngsters between five to 17-years-old were overweight or obese.

These statistics are enough to warrant a change in lifestyle.

Children reap many benefits from sport participation including a reduced risk of obesity, increased cardiovascular fitness, improved sleep, greater confidence and improved personal skills.

Not only does it improve children's health but it is also a realm for social interaction and good old-fashioned fun.

So, these holidays, encourage youngsters to put down the remote control, switch off Facebook and explore the big wide world outside.

It might seem foreign to some, but the possibilities of the outdoors are endless and they might even find themselves having fun.

In the Highlands there definitely isn't a lack of activities to participate in, with Wizz Kids Workshops, arts and crafts and karate lessons just to name a few.

If organised activities don't appeal to you, spend an afternoon selling homemade lemonade, have a picnic in one of the many parks in our area, kick the football around the backyard, jump in the fallen autumn leaves or re-familiarise yourself with the fun of bullrush, hopscotch, stuck in the mud or good-old hide and seek.

There are plenty of ovals in the shire for youngsters to utilise, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/services/sporting-field-information/sporting-fields.

For a program of organised holiday activities go to Page 36 and visit our website www.southernhighlandnews.com.au