In a day and age where smartphones have become an everyday part of our lives, going out and playing has become very minimal. Is your kid lost in the smartphone, scrolling through the social media handles and playing the games incessantly? Then, they need to spend time out in nature, breathing the fresh air and taking in the oxygen. They can do this by either playing outdoor games, or indulge in running out in the parks.
Let us discuss some of the benefits that the children can derive from playing out in the open.
1. Physical Development
Outdoor activities can help the preschoolers immensely. Indulging in physical activities can help in improving their overall physical health and well-being. Running around, climbing small trees, or playing various games like hide-and-seek will help in developing the gross motor skills and coordination. Apart from this, it can improve muscle strength, endurance, and balance, helping them build a resilient physique in their teenage years.
2. Emotional and Social Growth
When children play outdoors, they are bound to interact with other children, enhancing their social and emotional skills. Engaging in cooperative activities, discussing the rules and play in a group, helping in learning qualities like empathy and building friendships. Besides, it will make them capable of handling social situations. There are studies which show that playing out in the open can reduce stress levels and improve emotional well-being.
3. Connecting with Nature
Connecting with trees and the nature outside brings in reality and makes children wonder about the environment and the concerns about the same. Whether it is running in the local park, building sand castles, or planting saplings, children learn to appreciate nature and improve the surroundings. Building a connection with the outdoors and protecting nature. Understanding their role can help in the longer run, in keeping the planet more environment friendly.
4. Cognitive benefits
Cognitive skills will grow significantly, with the huge variety in the outdoor nature. Whether it is various textures, or the innumerable sights, children will be enamored with the huge variety. The soil underneath their feet, the skies above can change the perspective, stimulating their curiosity and creativity. Their imagination would also build in their storytelling and interaction skills.
Tips to encourage outdoor play
– Start with the backyard
Rather than taking them out in the open suddenly, start small with taking them to the backyard of your homes. Starting the initial stages with the comfort zone can help in building curiosity. Ensure to supervise their activity constantly, monitoring them so that they are tired from the outdoor activities.
– Take their favorite indoor toys outdoors
Many kids will prefer to take their indoor toys outside, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable. Take the toys outside, but ensure it is not the phone screen. It could be toys like a toy car, board game or play cards.
– Involve in everyday outdoor activities
Include the kids in the activities conducted outside the home. Whether it is cleaning, hanging the clothes for dry, watering the plants in the garden or gardening. Kids can slowly understand the intricacies of the outdoors.
– Limit the daily screen time
Slowly reduce their screen time, whether it is television, tablet, laptop or smartphone in their daily routine. Limiting the screen time can help in focussing on tasks that are more important. Their attention would be on more relevant things and improve their attention span. They will be left with no other option, but to entertain themselves.
With these aspects, ensure that the kids spend more time outdoors, so that they have a bright and physically fit future.
