It's well known that kids are spending less time outdoors these days, but maybe the pandemic can help turn things around. More people are playing or doing activities outside, which offers limited exposure to the virus when compared to being indoors.
There are many reasons to get your kids out of the house. One is that The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children play outside as much as possible. This is because there are several benefits, which include boosted immune system, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced stress levels.
It may seem easier to let your kids play around the house because you're busy doing stuff, but getting outside is a vital part of life. The more you do it, the more you want to do it! It's great to hear that many families with preschoolers and older are choosing activities outside of the home.
Choosing to spend time outside with your family will help you all live a happier and healthier life. Learn about the various ways you can have more outdoor playtime with your kids and integrate it into everyday life.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
1. Increase physical activity. Children who are exposed to the outdoors will spend more time moving around, which will lead to increased calorie expenditure and provide some benefits like weight management. This can be helpful for them for their long-term health, especially if they develop sedentary habits.
2. Promote learning. Recent research has proven that children’s attentiveness is increased after recess. Playing outside can sharpen their thinking by providing sensory input which helps to link their bodies and minds together to work better.
3. Spend more time in green spaces. Being immersed in nature can help inspire us, improve our mood, and give us energy. Not only that, but when children spend more time in nature they may also become more interested in protecting the environment!
4. Make friends. All unstructured playtime is a chance for your child to practice their social skills and interact with other children. They learn how to share and negotiate.
5. Manage stress. Do you worry about your child's mental health during a pandemic? Outdoor activities can help them with confusion, worries, and loss. The outdoors offers a better environment than being stuck indoors when it comes to mental health.
Strategies for Increasing Outdoor Play
1. Limit screen time. With more and more health professionals telling us that we should reduce the amount of time our children spend on screens, do you think it might be wise to refrain from giving them unlimited access? If they spend 5 hours a day with screens. can you imagine how much more free time you would have if their screen time was limited to, say, 1 hour? Take into consideration all screen time; online lessons, video games, and TV.
2. Play games. Team sports can provide many benefits, but unstructured play is also essential. Throw a Frisbee or jump rope to stay nimble and healthy!
3. Create art. Get your child a sketch pad or easel to use wherever they go. Provide them with a bag of Lego, rocks, or other natural materials for them to make sculptures.
4. Grow plants. Start a vegetable or flower garden at your home. You don't even need all that much space if you're short on garden space. If not, see if there's an opening for you at your local community garden or church grounds.
5. Splash around. A nice long visit to a water park is pretty unbeatable. But if you don’t want that, maybe you could create your own temporary attractions to keep you and the kids entertained. You can try out some running and dancing under a sprinkler or hose. It’s also possible that it might be enough to convince them that washing your car can be fun.
6. Pack a picnic. Get out of your kitchen and into the great outdoors with a picnic. Encourage the kids to help you pack the utensils, make a variety of foods and drink to have outdoors.
7. Walk your dog. A dog is a good reminder to take some time outdoors. Some older children can be trusted to walk dogs by themselves. It’s also a great way to encourage responsibility.
8. Contact your school. Schools are getting stricter throughout the country- many have even cut back on recess. This can be bad for your child's achievements. Let your local politicians know you support safe opportunities for children to take a break outside.
Conclusion: Outdoor play is essential to your child’s development and you should spend more time outside. Your family can explore nature and each other, and connect in ways that they cannot inside.
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