Kids today spend much more time indoors in front of electronics than they did before— averaging out to 7 hours per day. Their overall well-being is being compromised due to rising rates of sedentary lifestyles. While most parents may be aware that it’s not the healthiest thing to let their kids get so much screen time, they aren’t aware of why movement is crucial.
Here’s why you should encourage your kids to play outside more often:
Better motor skills
Kids who dabble in more outdoor play than their peers have improved motor skills such as balance, agility, and coordination. Their movements challenge their bones, physical endurance, and bones. Children have sufficient space to jump, run, and throw stuff around outdoors. Allowing kids to practice and grow their physical abilities enables them to make their bodies stronger and become confident in their own capabilities.
Improved Health
Around 1/3rd of children in the U.S. fall into the category of being obese. Playing outside and being physically active can reduce their chances of being overweight and limit any risks of long-term health complications. Obese children have a higher risk of developing asthma, sleep apnea, or diabetes. Hence, it’s essential to indulge in physical movement to stay healthy.
Greater self-awareness
Playing outside can enable children to develop reasoning and observational skills. Many playground activities have physical benefits for kids but being outdoors, in general, lets them look at the world from different perspectives. They become more aware of the kind of space that they’re in and develop a greater understanding of other people and how to interact with them.
Increased appreciation for nature and the environment
According to a study, 87% of the people who spent a substantial amount of time outdoors in their childhood carried their love of nature into adulthood. Children who spend a lot of time outdoors learn to appreciate their environment due to their first-hand experience regarding animals and plants. Fond childhood memories can be a great driver to create compassion and awareness for certain spaces.
Better sense of independence
Children develop a better sense of independence by spending time outdoors. They feel a certain sense of freedom that they don’t get to experience at home, even if their parent is nearby. Playing outdoors allows them to take risks and explore the world around them without feeling like their every move is being monitored or controlled.
It also enables them to make decisions about risks, such as whether they’ll be able to climb across monkey bars or if they can jump high enough to reach a net. This confidence can help them learn and grow throughout their life.
Professional daycare facility near Havre De Grace
Master Mind Daycare is a high-quality daycare for kids in Maryland. Our compassionate caretakers encourage the growth of early childhood development skills, hands-on learning, and play-based activities to garner their talents and shape their personalities. Children follow a unique curriculum with plenty of playtime outdoors!
Check out the details of our daycare program or speak with us by getting in touch today.