The importance of outdoor play for toddlers and older children is sometimes forgotten or underestimated by parents. Outdoor Play is vital for child development. learning new skills and testing boundaries. I know a lot of parents do not like to let our kids play in the mud or rain. We are often told they will get ringworms or sick from the rain. Some don’t like outdoor play because it is messy, or other judgemental moms (or other guardians) are watching our kids get messy or we think it is bad for their health. On the contrary, there are so many benefits to outdoor play.
10 Benefits of Outdoor Play
There are a lot of benefits of outdoor play for our little ones. Here are the top 10 benefits.
1. Health
Toddlers are recommended to have 3 hours of physical activity per day! Outdoors is the perfect environment to burn off all of their energy. When children are given space they can run and jump without limitations of furniture or stress of breaking something. Playing in dirt has been proven to support a good immune system in children and Vitamin D is a natural vitamin we all need and can receive from sun exposure. People of color actually have a harder time getting enough Vitamin D so it is even more important that Black and darker-skinned children get Vitamin D.
2. Creativity
Outdoor play allows children to be creative and use their imagination. Oppose to indoor play and having something to stimulate them they can grab a shovel or a dump trunk and use their imagination to be creative.
3. Learning
Playing outdoors helps children develop as they are learning new things. Many parks have educational equipment outdoors, but also a game of hopscotch or writing on the sidewalk with chalk is a great learning exercise. Making learning fun instead of always associated with strict rules or structure makes it fun for the future.
4. Socialization
Our kids do not go to daycare currently so it is very important that we are able to socialize with other children outdoors. Toddlers generally like to be social and playgrounds are the perfect place to make friends. Also, parents can have a chance to speak with another and have some support from other parents while at the park.
5. Freedom
It is important for toddlers to learn to test boundaries. In the safety of the park where you are watching them, they will learn how far they can go from their parents, how to navigate areas on their own, and build confidence in their own abilities. It is important for toddlers to gain a safe amount of independence.
6. Relax
Sometimes parents need to sit at a park bench and let the kids do their own thing. I enjoy going outside to play because I am not cleaning and fussing trying to keep them entertained at home. It is a break for kids and parents.
7. Risk
Some children love taking risks, some don’t. Outdoor play allows children to learn what type of risk they can take and if it is safe to jump or swing from different heights. As children learn to push boundaries they will have more confidence going down higher slides or jumping from high heights.
8. Sleep
Playing outdoors helps children keep a natural rhythm of active time and rest time. The brain goes off of sunlight and their “inner clock”. Children will also hopefully be tired at the right time and will make for calmer bedtimes and better rest at night for parents and children.
9. Sensory
One study showed children who play outside regularly have better distance vision as opposed to children who are always indoors. When exploring outdoors children use all of their senses. Toddlers will stick rocks or sand in their mouths, touch puddles, describe and see different flowers and colors. There is a lot for them to experience. In contrast indoor with a device, toddlers usually will sit and watch not giving them the same sensory use.
10. Attention
Playing outdoors creates an environment where children will need to concentrate on their current tasks. Studies of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that children with ADHD who spent significant time outdoors exhibited fewer symptoms.
class=”wp-image-3350″/>Have the Right Gear
Playing in the rain, snow, or dirt/ mud is a lot of fun for kids. Let them play! The best way to make it safe and comfortable for children and parents is to make sure you have the proper clothes and toys. Before, it never dawned on me that toddlers need so many different outfits to play outdoors but it really makes a huge difference.
1 comment
these are such great tips, perfect for when I take out my nieces to play š
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfiā„
Comments are closed.