Before the age of technology, the great outdoors was the place to be, regardless of the weather conditions. Snow meant that you could go skiing, summer you could go to the beach or the pool. Every season had its own unique outdoor activities and sports, and everyone took advantage of these activities. Wherever possible every home had a garden. Whether it was a vegetable garden or a flower garden.
“Children who play outdoors improve their motor skills, body mass index, overall health and muscle strength. Spending active time outdoors as a kid is also important for life long health. Children that are active in their early years generally continue to be more active as they age.”
According to Parenting Science – Some Benefits of Outdoor Play are:
. Reduced risk of nearsightedness.
. Greater exposure to bright light which enhances health and mental – performances.
. Increased activity levels, and greater freedom to run jump and climb.
. Opportunities for hands on learning about physical forces and concepts.
. Reduced stress levels, better moods and improved concentration.
. More naturally attuned sleep rhythm.
. Enhanced opportunities to learn social skills, overcome fears and develop a life-long connection with nature.
. Good steps towards more active lifestyle.
According to Harvard Health School, there are other benefits to children’s health being exposed to outdoor activity:
. Improves motor skills.
. Lowers body mass index.
. Improves overall health.
. Increases openness with parents.
. Greater self-awareness.
. Appreciation for the environment.
. Improved peer to peer relations.
Dr. Claire McCarthy, Md adds these to the list of benefits to outside activities:
Sunshine – Our bodies need sun. We need sun exposure to make vitamin D. a vitamin that plays
A crucial role in many body processes.
Exercise – Children should be active for at least an hour each day, and getting outside to play is
One way to be sure that happens.
Taking Risks – Children need to take some risks making friends, climbing tree.
Socialization – Children need to learn how to work together. They need to learn how to make Friends.
Also, Dr. McCarthy highlights the appreciation of nature that is acquired as a result of spending time in nature:
So much of our world is changing and not all for the better. If a child can experience walking in the woods, digging in the soil, seeing animals in their habitat, climbing a mountain, playing in a stream, or staring at the endless horizon of the sea. They will have a sense of what is nature. Otherwise they will never understand what there is to be lost. The future of our planet depends on our children; They need to learn to appreciate it and pass it on to their off-springs.
Raisingchilgren.net also adds to the discourse of the benefits of physical activity outdoors:
When you have your own yard space. It is very easy for young children to find creative things to do to entertain themselves and to have fun. Even if they are just outdoors helping with tasks, sweeping, washing the car, watering vegetables, hanging clothes on the line. Encourage them to play outdoors several times per day.
These are just a few of the research that have been done to show the benefits of being outdoors, but nothing beats the presence of our older folks who have been around long before the age of technology, and whose stories of their youth are mostly centered around outdoor activities.
One way of engaging with children in outdoor activities is to take them on nature walks and bike rides. Another way to ensure their appreciation from the great outdoor is to have them do homework outside at least once per week if the weather permits. The point is to help them to bond with nature.
Works Cited
Dewar, Gwen, PhD. 12 benefits of Outdoor Play (and tips to help your child get them. Parenting Science. (2019). https://parentingscience.com/benefits-of-outdoor-play/
McCarthy, Claire, MD. Children’s Health. Harvard Health Publishing, (HHP). Harvard Medical School. May 22, 2018 https://www.health.harvard.edu/author/claire-mccarthy md Raisingchildren.net.av. Outdoor Play. Australian parenting website. (2019). https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/outdoor-play/outdoor-play
