5 Ways Playing Outside Benefits Your Child
We live in a convenient world, where a few swipes on a screen solve all our needs (perceived or otherwise). As adults, we know the dangers of spending too much time staring at our devices, but how do we convince ourselves and our children to choose alternative stimulation? Finding the right motivation is critical. Here are five reasons that playing outside benefits your child.
Outdoor Play Improves Physical Health
It's no secret that physical activity improves your overall health, but many people don't realize the extent to which it helps. Outdoor play strengthens muscles, builds stamina in the heart and lungs, and gets the body used to moving in a variety of ways, thereby preventing obesity. But there's more! Being outside in the sun stimulates the production of Vitamin D, which is essential to regulating the body's circadian rhythms. Just don't forget the sunscreen!
It Improves Mental Health
Children who play outside are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Playing outside reduces fatigue and stress that build up in the body from stressors that kids face regularly.
It Makes Them Smarter
Outdoor play stimulates critical thinking skills by forcing children to problem solve and develop a natural curiosity for the world. Being outside also encourages children to build confidence by learning to take calculated risks. By learning to think for themselves and solve challenges, kids test the limits of their abilities and feel more capable of problem-solving in the future.
It Builds Social Skills
Children who play outside with others learn to share, take turns, follow rules, and collaborate to reach shared goals. These skills easily translate to academic group projects, not to mention they set up your child for success in the workplace.
It Teaches Empathy
It's never too early to teach a child empathy. Kids who have a healthy sense of empathy develop stronger relationships, have better mental health, and show better self-awareness. If your child shows concern for an injured animal, how much more will they be able to process their concern for a relative, friend, or even an enemy? Empathy softens children's hearts so they can step into the experiences of other people.
How Much Exercise Does My Child Need?
The CDC recommends that children ages three to five play throughout the day, with a cumulative total of three hours per day. For children six to seventeen years old, they recommend one hour of physical activity per day, alternating each day between aerobic exercise and strength building.
Playing outside is a critical component of child development. Outdoor activity prepares children for a lifetime of success in their relationships, mental health, and employment. So what are you waiting for? Get out there!