Find out why your child will benefit from playing outside often this summer.
July 3, 2023 | Come rain or shine, you’ll have a huge advantage by taking your child outside to play often this summer. It’s the best playground you can give him to grow physically fit, confident, curious and creative. Whether it’s in the park, in your backyard, or in the woods, here are 6 good reasons to encourage free play outdoors.
1. Improve your child’s physical ability
When your child plays outside, they move more. It is on average twice as active as indoors. When he’s outside he wants to run, jump, climb and throw. All of these moves improve his physical abilities. The elements of nature also present him with small challenges and lead him to different types of locomotion. For example, walking over uneven terrain or going up a small hill trains his strength and balance.
2. Develop self-confidence
Free outdoor play encourages your child to take small risks. For example, he can climb a rock, jump over a puddle, or climb a tree. This allows him to recognize his physical abilities and test his limits. Accept small challenges and make some fears playing outdoors (e.g., fear of insects) also develops Trust in him. Also, when your child realizes that they can achieve things, even if it’s harder and a little scary, their sense of self-efficacy increases.
3. Provide stimulating experiences
When your child plays outside, they are in direct contact with nature. For example, he can observe insects or small animals, touch the texture of trees and smell the scent of leaves. This is how he develops his curiosity and knowledge. His language is also stimulated Because when he plays outside, he can talk more and ask questions. Also, because nature is constantly changing, your child will need to adapt to different contexts (e.g. changes in temperature, light or soil conditions) to play.
4. Encourage creativity
No toys or gadgets are required for outdoor play. Your child uses their imagination and the elements of nature to have fun. He can just playfully build a sculpture out of stones or form a flower on the ground with collected shells. It can also be He is creative in his games, for example using a branch like a broom, fork or magic wand. He can also play in the restaurant and make a soup from leaves, grass, stones and water.
5. Help her feel good
Playing outside has benefits for your child’s mental health. More exercise helps her sleep better and it has a positive effect on her mood. Studies have also shown that being in contact with nature produces a general sense of well-being. This relieves tension and allows you to be more alert and focused at other times.
6. Maintain good physical health
Since your child is more active outdoors, this is the case improves physical fitness and thus helps to prevent weight problems. Not to mention that playing outdoors encourages him to see far away, which is good for his eyesight overall. In addition, sunlight would help prevent myopia.
Safe and risky outdoor gamblingSome parents are afraid that their child will hurt themselves when playing outside. However, several studies confirm that active outdoor play, while associated with risks, is safe. Yes, your child can fall, get dirty, bruise or scratch themselves while playing outside, but serious injuries are really rare. It’s also a good idea to let him play freely and take risks. In this way he becomes aware of his limitations and his abilities. If this is difficult for you, follow the 17 second rule. Remain calm and wait 17 seconds before intervening, for example if you think your child is going to climb a tree and hurt themselves. Often your reaction will be to do nothing because everything went well. |
To learn more about the benefits of playing outside and find ideas for activities to do with your child, check out the following fact sheets:
Julie Leduc – Born and growing team
Photo: GettyImages/kool99