As the weather starts to get warmer it's a great opportunity to put down the digital equipment and get outdoors. Outdoor play is crucial for the overall development and well-being of children. A 2018 study in the United Kingdom revealed that children spent about four hours outside per week, roughly 50% less than their parents had as kids. When children don’t get outdoors, they miss out on valuable experiences that can enrich their physical strength, coordination, cognition, self confidence and mental development. Here are some reasons why outdoor play is important:
Physical Development:many outdoor activities naturally provide children with an opportunity to build strength, coordination, balance, agility, stamina and fine motor skills. Running, skipping, jumping, and climbing all help your little ones grow stronger muscles and build their endurance. If they're not walking yet, pushing them on a swing is a great exercise that helps build early motor skills. Swinging helps them engage their muscles as they try to hold themselves up while they are being pushed. There are many physical benefits regardless of your child’s age.
Emotional Development: outdoor play introduces children to new situations which encourages them to take positive risks and try new things at their own pace. When presented with something new children have the opportunity to independently test their own abilities and learn new skills. It allows them to develop a stronger sense of self and improves self confidence and self awareness.
Mental Health: Spending time playing outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood and overall mental health.
Vitamin D: Our bodies require sun exposure to produce vitamin D and spending time outdoors helps children get that exposure. Vitamin D helps build strong bones, a healthy immune system and build strong muscle. It also contributes to helping regular sleep/wake cycles and helps to regulate our mood.
Although we may know the numerous benefits of outdoor play, getting kids to actually play outside can be challenging, especially in this technology driven world. Here is some tips and tricks to try and get your kids outdoors:
Make it fun: make outdoor play fun by incorporating games and activities that encourage exploration and creativity. Create a scavenger hunt, play capture the flag or hide-and-seek, or build a fort.
Be a role model: Model good behavior and participate in outdoor activities with your child. Plan a hike, a trip to the park, or an outdoor picnic.
Incorporate electronics: Try finding a kid-friendly dance video on YouTube that you can practice together outside. This will not only get children actively playing outdoors, but also engages them creatively and provides valuable family time.
Organized activities: Encourage your child to invite friends over. This will not only make it more fun but also invites an opportunity for social interaction. Or encourage your child to join a sport or play on a team that helps them spend more time outdoors while building teamwork skills.
Redefine family routines: try moving typical indoor activities outdoors. Enjoying snack time outside, or having a BBQ are great ways to get little ones outdoors, and will likely lead to them getting up and actively playing. Art projects, science experiments, or even story time are also fun things you can do with your children outside!
Remember, every child is different and what works for one child may not necessarily work for another. It is important to be patient, encouraging and understanding when trying to get kids to play outside. The first five years are really important for a child’s development. During these years, parents and caregivers can positively impact the well-being of children for a lifetime to come. By providing opportunities for outdoor play, parents and caregivers can support children in developing the skills they need to grow and thrive. Although it can be challenging to get children to put their electronics down and get outside, outdoor play can be fun and an engaging way for children to explore, learn and connect with the world around them.
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