The Great Outdoors: The benefits of outdoor play and less screen time
As technology has become essential in modern society, digital screens are taking a big chunk of our daily activities. Nowadays, children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours on daily screen time, for education, entertainment, and communication with friends and family members.
The more screen time a child gets, the less time they have to enjoy themselves offline.
Playing outside is essential for a child’s development, helping them maintain physical health, and create social connections. That is why, as a parent, you should ensure that your kid is getting enough time outside, limiting their screen time and giving them the opportunity to have active fun rather than passively watching a screen all day.
The Benefits of Outdoor Play:
Encourage your child’s pursuits of curiosity. Help them understand how the world around them works by asking questions, forming and testing their own theories, experimenting, and coming to their own conclusions.
1- Curiosity is the key to creativity
Playing outside encourages your child to explore the world around them, promoting their natural curiosity & sense of wonder and inspiring their creativity and self-expression. They will find new ways to entertain themselves by creating games.
2- Stay open-minded
With the freedom to run around, create their own games, and make new friends, the great outdoors gives them the chance to try new things, take risks, and take their first steps toward sharing ideas. This fosters in them a sense of self-confidence and builds their independence.
3- Staying active
Running, jumping, playing ball, or riding a bike are fun activities that encourage your child to stay active and healthy. The sedentary nature of digital devices means no physical activity, and too much screen time can lead to a number of health risks. Exercise is vital for your kid’s well-being and going outside to play in the sun will help their bodies produce the vitamin D necessary for their immune system and bone development.
4- Less stress, more success
Fresh air and greenery create a calming effect that can help relieve stress and anxiety. Being outdoors releases the “feel-good” hormones, like serotonin & oxytocin, which contribute to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Something that you yourself as a parent can benefit from while enjoying some quality time outside with your child.
5- Growing socially
Outdoor play helps your child grow socially, creating opportunities to develop healthy ways of forming friendships, sharing & cooperating with others, navigating conflicts & solving problems. The playground is where they will learn to understand, empathize and be kind to their peers.