We observe kids becoming more and more like couch potatoes these days. They have their remote controllers, laptops, or smart phones in their hands. While it’s definitely a plus point to see them engage in activities and skills that will help them adapt to adult life, they are ignoring the outside world. Children would rather chat with their neighbors than go out and talk to them. As much as being a couch potato is relaxing, it also has certain disadvantages.
Children’s bodies need to move for them to experience physical and developmental growth. The health and social skills of the child get affected too by sitting indoors. Being indoors too much can lead to childhood obesity that will stay with them for a lifetime. Their skin should glow in the sun and covered with dust than being pale and pink due to lack of sun exposure. Being outside can help them develop their bodies completely whether physically, mentally, or socially.
If you want to encourage your children to go out, then read on, and make them understand the benefits of playing outdoor games for them.
Benefits of playing outdoor games for kids:
1. Learn new things
If you find asking yourself, why kids should play outside, then it’s because they need to learn many lessons through it. They will learn about social conduct and behavior, communication skills, negotiation skills, exploring nature, problem-solving skills, loyalty, friendship, leadership skills, being a team member, etc. All of these activities cannot be learned in a classroom or at home. What’s better is that they learn this while playing games and having fun.
2. Physical development
When children play outdoor games, they will promote the development of their bodies. They develop muscles and boost their immunity. They will also have stronger bones, increased stamina, and a flexible body. They will develop immunity with diseases such as diabetics, heart conditions, and obesity. Being stuck in front of a screen can impair their vision, but being outdoor will boost their eyesight. Direct exposure to the sun will provide them with vitamin D naturally.
3. Creativity
Playing outdoor games for toddlers will allow them to expand their imagination. The bright colors of the sky, sun, trees, buildings, and cars will help them to be more creative. Their viewpoints will change and adapt when they witness things from different perspectives of many people. Their games will need them to solve the problem, and while they look for a solution, they are increasing their creative imagination and thinking capabilities.
4. Social skills
While playing outdoor games for kids every day, the children converse with the children. This will open their mind to people with different mindsets and personalities. They will acquaint themselves to learn to talk to individuals with different personalities. They will also enhance their social skills and understand the societal norms without you having to explain it. The social and communication skills learned in their childhood will aid them in their adult life. The friendships and relations build today will be the foundation of building a network.
5. Positive attitude
Children, who play the best outdoor games, will have a calm and happy vibe about them. The exposure to sun and outside fresh air will help them develop and maintain their mental health. They will be positive and calm toward their outlook on life and the world. Children, who stay indoors much, are withdrawn and isolated amongst themselves.
6. Personality development
One of the best outdoor game’s benefits is their overall personality development. Children learn to associate themselves with emergencies and setbacks without any adult interference and supervision. They deal with their problems and face it head-on. When they successfully deal with an emergency by themselves, it improves their confidence skills and raises their self-esteem.
7. Attention span is increased
The attention span of the child is increased when they play the best outdoor games for kids. Outdoor games will improve their observational and analytical skills. This will greatly improve their focus, concentration, and attention span. Children and toddlers who are diagnosed with ADHD can benefit much by playing outside.
8. Motor skills
Outdoor games bring many obstacles and challenges to them. The gross and fine motor skills will be improved the more they play. Their agility, coordination, hand-eye movement, their mental and physical coordination will enhance and get better.
9. Love for nature
You can only develop a love for nature when you are in nature all the time. They will reconnect with nature and find themselves being one with it. It is truly the way for finding their house in this world and making their place. They will also be likely to be aware of the issues related to the decline of nature and will be more active in finding innovative ways to resolve it.
10. Healthier lifestyle
When children play outside, they come home hungry and tired. Their digestion, appetite, and sleep schedule is set on a daily clock. Their routine will help them to stay in a fixed and healthy routine for the rest of their life.
The next time your child requests you to let them play outside; you should give them those extra minutes. These benefits are not only experienced in their childhood, but they will stay with them for their entire life. Children who play outside will lead to a better life in their adult life.
Found the above article helpful? You might like our other article “10 Toddler Activities to Encourage Physical Development“.