10 Benefits Of Outdoor Play For KIDS

According to a recent University of Michigan study, children in America aged 2 to 5 spend 32 hours per week in front of a television, watching television, DVDs, YouTube, or playing video games. Obesity, poor eyesight, and anti-social behavior are all known side effects of being glued to the TV and screens for hours. So why would we allow our children to follow in our footsteps?

Playing outside and spending time outside with other children, on the other hand, can shape our children’s personalities and help them develop important social skills. As parents and caregivers, we must take charge of our children’s health and provide more opportunities for them to develop better life skills.

Let’s explore some of the benefits of what playing outdoors can do for our children.

BENEFITS OF PLAYING OUTDOORS FOR CHILDREN

Outdoor play, whether through games or with other children, has numerous health benefits. Let’s look at the advantages of outdoor activities listed below.

1. OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN NEW THINGS

Children can improve their learning abilities by playing outdoor games because being outside exposes them to new environments and allows them to interact with experiences that they cannot get indoors. These are important life skills and lessons for them to learn during their prime years. Being outside forces children to think and move more freely than sitting on a couch at home.

2. IMPROVES PHYSICAL HEALTH

Children are more active in an outdoor environment, which leads to increased physical stamina and development. They are strengthening their muscles and bones and increasing their immunity while playing outside. This is an important part of a child’s daily routine because it reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart complications, and obesity. Allowing children to play outside under supervision exposes them to natural Vitamin D while keeping them away from toxic blue light from electronics and television screens, which can harm our children’s vision.

3. BOOSTS CREATIVITY

Putting our children in outdoor settings gives them more time to imagine. Children are exposed to new experiences as they interact with mother nature, which helps to develop their imagination. Being surrounded by nature, plants, and trees has a healing component, and this can help stimulate children’s imaginations as they tap into their creativity.

4. DEVELOPS SOCIAL SKILLS

When children are kept indoors, especially in their rooms or while watching TV, they become isolated and withdraw from social situations. This makes interaction difficult for children because it limits their social skills. Outdoor play encourages children to socialize because they are more active and interact with nature and/or other children. Consider a local children’s playground. When children see other children playing, they immediately begin to socialize or attempt to socialize in some way, which is a great natural way for them to develop their social skills.

5. DEVELOP POSITIVE ATTITUDES

Children are insatiably curious. As parents and caregivers, we should provide more opportunities for our children to learn new things, which will improve their mood. Children who are exposed to the outside world have a more positive outlook on life. Being outside allows them to channel their energy in more meaningful ways than sitting on the couch inside.

6. IMPROVES PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Being outside encourages children to become more self-sufficient and independent. Children are exposed to real-life experiences such as walking, running, and exploring, which instills confidence and prepares them to face future challenges. Outdoor play fosters other important personality traits such as leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline, all of which are pillars of success.

7. IMPROVES ATTENTION SPAN

Children focus and concentrate while exploring outside. Allowing our children to play outside helps them focus better. They are forced to think in new ways and concentrate in order to make certain decisions as they encounter various situations outside.

8. STRENGTHENS MOTOR SKILLS

Children must move and be active when they are outside. When our children participate in outdoor activities, they improve their hand-eye coordination, agility, and balance.

9. APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE

Who doesn’t appreciate nature? We take this gift for granted. We should all learn to appreciate the natural world that gives us what we have; learning to appreciate simple things like daily walks, playing outside, and spending time with family and friends is a great life lesson.

10. HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIFESTYLE

A well-balanced life is essential for living a healthier and happier life. Children should spend time both inside and outside. Being outside allows our children to make new decisions and navigate new environments. To help our children become their best, we should always challenge them and push their limits (under supervision).

PRECAUTIONS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

As we have discussed the advantages of outdoor activities, it is also important to note that excessive outdoor activity can have some negative consequences.

As a result, parents must monitor outdoor time and, most importantly, supervise children while they play outside. Also, make certain that your children are having fun while they are outside. Don’t force them to be out for long periods of time, and always make sure they have enough sunscreen, are aware of the road and cars, and are wearing helmets/protective gear if they are riding bikes, scooters, etc.

What are you waiting for, Mom and Dad? Be the role model your child requires. Our children are the best thing that has ever happened to us; let us ensure that they have the best environment and experience possible.