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Five Reasons Kids Should Play Outside More
Special to The Truth
Whether it’s dance
lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these
days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching
and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough
time doing something much simpler and every bit as important
as structured programming: playing outdoors.
“Finding time for the kids
to play outside can be such a challenge for parents,” says
Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and an
expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org. “As a parent I
worry about ‘stranger danger’ or whether my kids will be
able to navigate social issues on their own. Without
spontaneity, playtime has lost some of it’s fun.”
Outdoor play is necessary
for healthy child development, according to The Genius of
Play. The initiative, whose mission is to raise awareness
about the importance of play and help parents make play a
critical part of raising their kids, is sharing five
benefits of unstructured outdoor playtime:
• Physical Development:
Research has shown that physically active kids tend to be
leaner and healthier, while an inactive childhood can lead
to a sedentary (and likely unhealthy) lifestyle in
adulthood. Furthermore, physical play builds gross and fine
motor skills necessary for success in school and beyond.
Hanging from the monkey bars, for instance, helps kids
develop the hand muscles needed to grip a pencil.
• Risk-Taking: Through
outdoor play, children are given the opportunity to step
outside their comfort zones and try new things. While taking
risks won’t always lead to success on the first try, moments
like a first bike ride without training wheels, or the first
trip down the big slide in the playground, are critical for
building the confidence and resilience needed to pursue a
future career, start a business, or handle life’s many
challenges.
• Social Skills: Childhood
games played outdoors can help build social skills and teach
kids to follow directions. From games as simple as tag, to
those with more complicated rules, like “Kick the Can,”
“Capture the Flag,” and sports like soccer and basketball,
communication, teamwork and other important social skills
are developed during outdoor play.
• Problem Solving:
Children’s imaginations are often stimulated by the world
around them. Being outside widens their horizons and can
encourage kids to tap into their creativity in order to come
up with solutions to challenges, such as learning how to
build a sandcastle or figuring out how to climb up a jungle
gym.
• Reducing Stress: So much
outdoor play involves physical activity, thrilling moments
and a sense of freedom, all of which can boost endorphins,
helping to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety and
depression. Interestingly, simply touching dirt when
creating mud pies or digging for worms can be beneficial.
According to a Bristol University study, certain types of
“friendly” bacteria in soil have been found to activate the
group of neurons that produce serotonin, which contributes
to a feeling of well-being and happiness. So, don’t be
afraid to let your kids get a bit dirty out there!
For play ideas, expert
advice and other play resources, visit TheGeniusOfPlay.org.
Playtime is essential for
children. To promote health, happiness and confidence, be
sure some of it is spent outdoors.
Courtesy StatePoint
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