If you’re looking for ways to improve your child's health and wellbeing and chances for success: make sure they spend lots of time playing outside and in nature.
One of the most obvious and arguably harmful differences between today's generation's childhood and those from previous generations, is the use of technology and the amount of time spent indoors.
It’s a huge concern to see the sharp rise in time spent on electronic devices and screens, but there’s also the unexpected negative consequences of the emphasis on scheduled activities and achievements, concerns about sun exposure and the lack of safe spaces for outdoor play. Unfortunately, not only children are affected; adults are spending less time outdoors as well.
Spending time outdoors and in nature is not only enjoyable, but also necessary. Many researchers agree that kids (and adults) who play and spend time outside and in nature are happier, better at paying attention and less anxious than those who spend more time indoors.
Here are 7 reasons why children need time to play outside and in nature, now more than ever before:
1. Exercise.
The average American child Children should be active for at least one hour every day, and getting outside to play is a fun and easy way to make it happen. You can send them outside with objects such as balls, skipping ropes or bikes to promote active play or encourage them to be creative with things they find in nature. Often with unstructured play, kids don’t even realize they’re exercising because they’re having so much fun!
2. Stimulation
Spending time outside activates all the sense - you can hear, see, touch and feel outdoor environments. Richard Louv, author of the book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder warns that “as the young spend less and less of their lives in natural surroundings, their senses narrow and this reduces the richness of human experience.”
3. Sunshine
While too much sun exposure, particularly sunburns, can increase the risk of skin cancer, our bodies need natural light and sun for a variety of reasons. Sun exposure provides your body with vitamin D, an important vitamin that aids in many body processes, from bone development to our immune system. Sun exposure and natural light also helps our immune system, our mood and contributes to healthy sleep.
4. Life Skills
Spending time outdoors allows kids to develop many important life skills and self-regulation. These skills help us to plan, prioritize, problem solve, negotiate, and multitask; and are crucial for success and development. Having unstructured free play outdoors allows kids to develop creativity and use their imagination to entertain themselves and learn to play and manage their relationships with other children. Being in outdoor situations builds character and builds skills like resilience and patience.
5. Taking risks
Allowing children to take risks safely is an important part of learning and development. As parents, it’s our natural instinct to protect our children from harm, but if we don’t allow them to test their boundaries, they may not develop the confidence and bravery to face challenges in the future. There will always be some form of inherit risk whether it’s breaking your arm trying to climb a tree or getting rejected trying to make a new friend. Kids needs to learn that it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try; and often the lessons we learn from failure are just as important as those we learn from success.
6. Mental Health
The pandemic has forced many of us to spend a lot more time indoors than we normally would. This has brought an awareness of the importance of spending time outdoors not just for our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. Spending time outside and especially in green spaces reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue within minutes.
7. Appreciation Of Nature
Arguable one of the most important benefits is that it enables kids to develop a love for and connect with the natural world. Our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and not for the better. If a child grows up never walking in the woods, seeing animals in their habitat, playing in a stream, or swimming in the ocean, they may never really understand what there is to be lost. The future of our planet depends on our children; they need to learn to appreciate it in order to save it.
So while screen time is the easier, more popular choice, set aside time to send your kids outside for unstructured outdoor play. Even better, join them. You’ll be amazed at how quickly small changes will add up to make a big difference.
What is your favourite family outdoor activity? Let us know in the comment section below!
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