Most adults can look back on their childhood and remember hiding in bushes, climbing trees and digging up the dirt in the backyard. While the scrapes, bruises and cuts might not be remembered so fondly, the time spent being a kid outside is special.
If you have kids today, you might notice a big difference between childhood today and childhood 20 or 40 years ago.
A study cited by the BBC shows that children between the ages of 5-16 spend at least six hours or more each day on screens. While technology can be an undeniable force for good in children’s lives, it can also be limiting. Make sure your kids make time to lace up their shoes and head outside. Here are eight ways your children benefit from outdoor play.
Reduce the chance of nearsightedness
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says more time outside reduces children’s risk of developing nearsightedness, which is more common now than it was in the 1970s. They say natural light is actually healthy for growing kids’ eyes, and more exposure to it can reduce the likelihood of becoming nearsighted. So give your ears a break from the noise of TV and send the kids outside.
Stabilize and improved mood
As more and more teens, young adults and adults develop mental disorders or illness, it’s becoming increasingly important to help kids form good social skills. Stanford Health says unstructured outdoor play gives children the opportunity to “take turns, share and develop positive behavioral skills.”
Fresh air and outdoor play also reduce stress levels, according to Standford Health. When the kids start getting cranky, send them outside to jump on the trampoline, play tag or use their imaginations.
Improve physical health
As most adults realize, exercise only remains consistent if it’s something you enjoy doing. Allowing your children time to play and have fun outside gives them exercise in a form they enjoy. Diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease are becoming more common in children and young adults, according to the CDC. Help keep your children healthy by encouraging outdoor play, whether that’s soccer, tag, hide and seek, or riding bikes.
Learn problem-solving skills
Playing outside is also a splendid way to develop what’s referred to as executive function says Harvard Health. Executive function is how children learn to plan, prioritize, troubleshoot, multitask and more. Playing imaginary games and exploring an outdoor environment helps children gain these important skills.
In a backyard or nearby park, children can learn to take risks in a reasonably safe environment. A few playground accidents are well worth children learning about failure, as it’s a vital part of development.
Every parent wants to keep their children safe, so it’s easy to limit outdoor time for fear of injury. However, with the right foresight and observance, parents can provide an optimal environment for children to learn to take measured risks.
Increase focus
Between the ages of 4-17, an estimated 6.4 million American children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the CDC. That’s certainly a staggering number, but it makes sense when you realize that increased screen time and decreased outdoor time can contribute to the disorder. Note that ADHD symptoms are significantly reduced in children who spend regular time outside, even doing the same activity they did indoors.
If you’re looking for a safe way to let your kids play outside, consider getting a Springfree Trampoline. With no springs to pinch fingers and a net surrounding the mat, your kids can bounce in safety. Check out all of the options and safety features on the Springfree website.