As technology continues to play a significant role in our daily lives, the amount of time spent indulging our devices is steadily increasing. This trend applies to children, who in today’s world, are constantly exposed to screens and digital devices. While technology may present many benefits, sociologists and psychologists alike warn that excessive screen time may be hurting our children’s development.
Outdoor play, on the other hand, presents a low-cost alternative that has been proven to boost children’s physical and mental health, promote social development and improve their cognitive abilities. Bellow, we will explore the benefits of outdoor play and how you can make it a part of your child’s daily routine.
Physical Health
One of the most significant benefits of outdoor playtime is the positive impact it has on children’s physical health. While playing outdoors, children are constantly on the move, running, jumping, skipping and climbing. Such activities require the use of different parts of the body, which helps promote overall body strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Outdoor play also provides an excellent opportunity for children to get Vitamin D, which is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the primary source of vitamin D synthesis in the body. Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and reducing the likelihood of diseases related to bone loss such as osteoporosis.
Social Development
When children play outdoors, they interact with one another, which helps develop social skills such as cooperation, communication, and negotiation. Such skills are necessary for a child’s social development, helping them to build friendships and navigate social situations.
Outdoor play also allows children to problem-solve together, learn from one another and express themselves in ways that may not be possible during more structured activities. Kids can create and express their ideas and solutions, and learning how to share their resources are essential life skills that they can learn outdoors.
Cognitive Abilities
Outdoor play has also been shown to have a positive effect on children’s cognitive abilities. Studies have found that children who play outside regularly tend to perform better in school than those who spend most of their time indoors.
Outdoor play provides an opportunity for children to learn by exploring and experimenting, which can help boost their creativity and problem-solving skills. Outdoor play allows children to make decisions and take risks, providing a wealth of learning opportunities.
Make Outdoor Play A Part of Your Child’s Daily Routine
There are many ways in which you can make outdoor play a part of your child’s daily routine. One approach is to create a schedule that incorporates outdoor playtime, such as setting aside an hour each day for your children to play outside.
Creating an outdoor play area is a great way to encourage children to spend time outside. Even if you have limited space or live in an urban area, you can still set up a small garden or patio area where your children can play and explore.
Other things you can do to encourage your children to play outside include:
-Choosing activities that stimulate their interest: If your child likes climbing, consider taking them to a local climbing wall or building a treehouse.
-Making outdoor play a family activity: Plan hiking trips, camping trips or beach outings that offer opportunities for outdoor playtime, and make sure you participate in the activities with your children.
-Limiting screen time: Set rules on how much time your children can spend using digital devices and encourage them to spend more time outdoors as an alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outdoor play has many benefits for children, including promoting physical health, encouraging social development, and boosting cognitive abilities. By making outdoor play a part of your child’s daily routine and encouraging them to spend more time outdoors, you are helping them develop essential life skills that will serve them well in the years to come. So, unplug those devices and take the time to explore the great outdoors with your children!
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