5 Things Your Children Stand To Lose When They Don’t Play Outside

Unlike the good old days when playing outdoors was the norm, parents these days would rather keep their children indoors busy with TV, ipads and computer games. If you’re part of the guilty party, let these 5 benefits of outdoor play inspire you to review what currently obtains:

1. Children who play outdoors are more physically active. They get lots of exercise in while having lots of fun too, and this can help burn out excess calories, preventing childhood obesity. It also helps with body flexibility, keeps their heart in good shape and generally, makes them healthier.

2. Playing outdoors in the evenings also helps them get fresh air and more vitamin D from sunshine. This strengthens their growing body’s immune system and improves bone health.

3. It also gives children an opportunity to explore nature and groom their creativity. They feel freer to express themselves and learn about their environment in their own way when outdoors. Young children for instance gain a lot from messy play with sand or clay with siblings or peers as it improves their sensory, motor, creative, cognitive and social skills. Join in to create more fun while keeping an eye on them.

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4. Playing outdoors also promotes independence. Left with siblings or peers, conflicts arise during play, and this offers several opportunities to hone problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

5. Outdoor play offers more variety of fun options to relieve boredom. There are so many fun activities children can do outside that makes TV and computer games pale in comparison. Take cues from your child, and in addition, let them play ‘throw and catch’, ‘hide and seek’, exercise for a bit with skipping rope and ride their bicycles. You should also introduce outdoor games from your own childhood for added variety.