3 Amazing Advantages of Letting Your Child Play Outdoors
Swing. Slide. Climb.
Kids used to do these. Maybe some still do. Nowadays, however, you see more and more children glued to their gadgets than swinging, sliding, or climbing in playgrounds. Should you just let them sit and swipe, or would you rather they jump and run?
A breath of fresh air
Do you miss seeing kids playing in the yard? Do you remember the sheer glee of romping around the best backyard playsets with your mates? Do you long to see your own kids enjoy the simple joy of frolicking outdoors?
These days, you would see youngsters just slumped on couches, their full attention on their phones, tablets, or whatever modern gizmo the world has come up with. It is a common sight to see kids tied up with their techy toys. They are so engrossed with what is happening on their screens that they often miss the events that happen around them.
A lot of studies say that play is an important factor in a child’s development. Not only does it help in their physical progress, but it is also said to play a role in shaping the structural design of the brain. According to the research review made by Stuart Lester and Wendy Russel from the University of Gloucestershire, play increases the brain’s flexibility and improves its potential for learning later in life.
Here are other astounding benefits that your child can also reap from playing outdoors:
1. Cognitive Development
According to the article “Why Play-based Learning?” published by the Early Childhood Australia organization, the cognitive and intellectual benefits of play have been well documented. This is further supported by the paper that Elena Bodrova and Deborah J. Leong wrote, titled “Uniquely Pre-school: What Research Tells Us About the Ways Young Children Learn.” They said that children who have experiences involving quality play tend to have enhanced academic learning, well-developed memory skills, and enriched language development.
Outdoor play also improves children’s attention span, concentration, and focus as well as develops their observational, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Playing outdoors can also boost their creativity. Making up make-believe stories while playing in cubbies or adventure tents can help their imagination run wild while also boosting their communication skills.
2. Physical Development
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 4 Australian children ages 2 to 17 were found to be obese or overweight in the study conducted for 2014 to 2015. This could be attributed to the sedentary lifestyles of these kids who are not exposed to outdoor activities.
Playing outdoors – regardless if it’s with swings, slides, or sandpits – can improve a child’s motor skills. These tools can also improve their agility, balance, and coordination. Being active outdoors can also play a role in improving children’s overall physical health by strengthening their bones and muscles, building immunity, and lowering the risk of diseases like heart problems or diabetes.
Being exposed to a bit of sunshine and fresh air can also do wonders for getting healthy amounts of Vitamin D that can help in preventing rickets.
3. Emotional Development
Kids who are exposed to outdoor play also enhance their personalities. Aside from expanding their network of friends, they also improve their social skills by interacting with other kids.
With outdoor play, kids get to practice discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Getting exposed to situations that will allow them to handle possible emergencies, negotiate obstacles, or deal with unfamiliar circumstances will strengthen their emotional faculties.
They will acquire a certain love and appreciation for nature as well by being exposed to grass, trees, and other natural elements.
Let’s Play!
Remember to keep an eye on your little ones, though. While it is nice to see them happy and carefree, there must be adult supervision to make sure that they are kept safe. To ensure this, it is best to go for play equipment that are reliable and do not compromise quality.
Encouraging kids to go out and play is a worthwhile thing to do. Not only will it improve the temperament and character of your child, but it will also help in fostering a fit and healthy lifestyle.
AUTHOR BIO
Michael Davies is the Senior Account Manager at Sandleford, a trusted supplier of letterboxes and home security products and solutions in Australia. The company’s Swing Slide Climb range has grown and grown over the past 4 years, and together with Bunnings Australia, it has become one of the most exciting and innovative suppliers and developers of children’s play equipment in the Australian market.
