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The Benefits Of Children Playing Outside
On average, American children spend four to seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play compared to seven or more hours in front of a screen. Here are five good reasons why it’s so important for parents to incorporate children playing outside.
1. Build physically healthier children.
Nowhere is better than the outdoors for running, jumping, throwing
balls, catching, pulling things, lifting and carrying objects. All these
actions require motor skills that improve with practice. Children playing
outside get aerobic exercise and gain skills, such as pushing and pulling
outdoor play equipment. Studies show children burn more calories outdoors,
helping to prevent obesity and strengthen bones and muscles. Playing in the sun
builds vitamin D in the body, which means stronger bones and less likelihood of
chronic diseases. According to a study, many children have vitamin D
deficiencies.
2. Contribute to cognitive and
social/emotional development.
Unstructured outdoor play helps kids learn to take turns,
share and develop other positive behavioral skills. They are more likely to be
inventive, explore and learn about the world around them and use their own
abilities. While they invent and play games with siblings or friends, these
interactions help improve communication, cooperation and organizational skills.
Additionally, fresh air and free play reduce stress levels.
3. Improve sensory skills.
An optometry and vision science study showed children who play
outside regularly have better distance vision than children who are
always indoors. Preschoolers, in particular, learn new things through their
senses. Think of a toddler’s delight at seeing new animals (sight), stopping at
a bed of fragrant flowers (smell and touch), watching the water form puddles
for stomping (hearing and touch) or eating a parent-approved berry from a bush
(taste). On the other hand, children glued to television and electronic devices
use only two senses (hearing and sight). This can negatively affect development
of perceptual abilities.
4. Increase attention spans.
Children who play outside on regular basis are more curious,
self-directed and likely to stay with a task longer. Children who spend most of
their time indoors with little exposure to activities requiring their own
initiation and follow-through show less ability to initiate or participate in
new activities. In fact, studies of children diagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that children with ADHD who spent significant
time outdoors exhibited fewer symptoms.
5. Grow in happiness and immunity.
Outdoor light stimulates the pineal gland. This part of the brain is vital to keeping our immune system strong and making us feels happier. Spending time in nature is also associated with improving mood and happiness. An added bonus is that children who identify with nature are more likely to become adults who appreciate nature and want to protect the environment.
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