Children spend more time in front of the television than they do playing and exploring the outdoors according to E Magazine. This trend leads to obesity and other negative health issues. Children thrive when they are given the freedom to play outside and discover the world around them. As long as they are properly covered with sunscreen and are under appropriate adult supervision, playing in the great outdoors is one of the best ways for your children to grow and develop.
Physical Benefits
Playing outside as a child leads to a healthy adulthood claims the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Regular physical activity in childhood helps eliminate the development of risk factors that can lead to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The agency encourages youngsters to do moderately intense or vigorously intense physical activities for up to a total of one hour a day. Good activities that help prevent serious health issues include aerobic activities and muscle and bone strengthening exercises. Running, swimming, even climbing play gyms are fun outdoor activities that help kids stay healthy.
Children who learn to love outdoor physical activities carry these healthy interests into adulthood. As adults, they stay fit and continue to lessen their chances of serious illnesses.
Social Development
Playing outdoors gives kids many opportunities to make new friends. Childcare Aware encourages parents and teachers to give kids ample outdoor time as it is critical for their social development skills. Outside activities are often less structured than indoor play dates or classroom time, so kids have more opportunities to interact with each other without even realizing that they are socializing.
If your daughter is shy, she may be more likely to play with another shy child on the play gym. If your son has trouble making friends in a structured setting, he may feel safer chasing a ball down a soccer field with a large group of children.
Reducing Stress and Increasing Confidence
Running outside and breathing in fresh air is an effective way for your child to burn off some steam. In her article, "10 Ways to Minimize your Child's Stress," teacher and child advocate, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, advises parents that physical activity helps children reduce stress and strike a balance between body and mind. When physical activity takes place outside, Lurie claims that your children will also develop a sense of confidence and a sense of wonder in the world around them.
Developing Perceptual Abilities
The great outdoors also helps children develop perceptual abilities such as smell and touch. Watching television or sitting in front of the computer limits their use of these senses. Playing among flowers or in a sand box encourages perceptual development.
Listening to singing birds, feeling fresh cut grass and smelling pine needles are wonderful ways for children to develop their senses and learn about the world around them.
Member Comments