How Outdoor Play Supports Emotional and Physical Development
Summer can be a difficult time for children, with no school and less structured routines. It’s easy for kids to pick up the iPad and spend countless hours in front of a screen. Sending them outside with siblings or friends isn’t just great for physical health, but emotional development as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that kids ages 3-5 should receive three hours of outdoor play while school aged children should get at least 60 minuets, but the more the better. But why doesn’t indoor play have the same developmental effects? While indoor play is important, it happens in a more structured and controlled environment. It doesn’t provide the same risk-taking and social interaction that outdoor play offers. Outdoor play involves open-ended activities which help children use their imagination and problem-solving skills. Along with these benefits, outdoor play also helps with many other developmental areas.
Emotional Benefits
The process of playing in the open air allows kids to have many different experiences with emotions and learn how to handle them. When kids learn something new or resolve a conflict situation among friends or overcome some problem at the playground, they feel confident and become emotionally strong. At the same time, playing outdoors reduces stress and anxiety. It has been proven that people, especially children, who spend time in nature, become more cheerful and relaxed because the environment allows reducing stress levels and improving mood.
Social Development
Outdoor activities promote communication between people and help develop good social skills. Children should understand how to communicate, cooperate, and work together. Playing games outdoors teaches kids how to share things,negotiate, and make friends.
Physical Benefits
Physical activities like running, climbing, jumping, cycling, and playing different sports improve muscles, bone strength, and coordination in children. Children become more balanced, improve their heart, and are physically fit because of outdoor activities while developing good habits for the future. Also, natural sunlight increases the synthesis of vitamin D, which is necessary for proper bone development and function of the immune system.
Encouraging Outdoor Play
There is no need for complex and sophisticated ideas or special equipment when it comes to outdoor activities. They can be simple and include things like the following:
Going to the nearest park
Having a family walk or bicycle ride
Playing games like tag and catch in the yard
Drawing with the help of sidewalk chalks
Organizing a nature scavenger hunt
Doing gardening
Playing with bubbles
Playing outside is much more than a way to occupy children during summertime. It promotes emotional wellness, ensures healthy socialization, and makes kids resilient and self-confident. In this summer, think about spending at least a part of each day playing outdoors. It can be either a trip to the park or simple games right in your own backyard.
Brylee Javis
Pre Grad School Summer Volunteer