Playing outside is…<\/p>\n
… healthy
\nChildren are very busy at times and need to expend their energy somewhere. Letting them play outside gives them exercise and helps develop muscles. Research shows that children who play outside a lot are less likely to have broken bones and will recover faster after a bout of the flu. This is due to the absorption of vitamin D during outdoor play.<\/p>\n
… good for motor development
\nBy letting your children play outside often, they will experience what it is like to make different movements. Climbing, cycling, scooting and balance exercises encourage the development of gross motor skills.<\/p>\n
… important for social skills
\nChildren playing outside seek each other out. Playing together is so much more fun than playing by yourself. By playing hide-and-seek or tag with neighborhood children, children learn how to interact with others. They find out that toys have to be shared, so occasionally they will have to negotiate and work together. They will benefit from these skills later in life.<\/p>\n
… a stimulus for creativity
\nGive them a sidewalk chalk! Having them create works of art and deal with new situations stimulates their creativity. This also teaches them how to entertain themselves when they get bored. This also further increases the child’s self-reliance.<\/p>\n
…. Good for brain development
\nOutdoor play has a positive effect on children’s ability to concentrate and learn. Children who play outside often have better brain development than those who do not do so at all.<\/p>\n
… a way that makes children happier
\nSunlight ensures that children make enough vitamin D. In addition, fresh outdoor air gets your blood flowing faster and helps your child fall asleep more easily (and parents too!).<\/p>\n
How do you stimulate your children?<\/p>\n
Already convinced that you should let kids play outside much more often?<\/p>\n
Here are some tips on how to persuade your children to put away the tablet or iPad and let them play outside.<\/p>\n
Make sure you can be found outside regularly yourself. Children follow your example!<\/p>\n
Make room in the garden for your children to play with Lego or Barbies. After all, this is also great fun to do outside! With a large plaid on the ground, you will also create space for your little one to play in the garden. (Then, of course, we will wait for some nice weather).<\/p>\n
Establish contact with neighbors. Have a chat with each other on the sidewalk. Children become curious and may start playing with each other.<\/p>\n
Play hide-and-seek or tag occasionally. Children are often somewhat shy at first. Having Mom or Dad with them makes them feel safe. At some point, they will forget that you were there, too, by being totally absorbed in the game.<\/p>\n
Organize an outdoor play day for all neighborhood children. Set up a scavenger hunt and have all the children work together to find the treasure. Guaranteed playtime fun!<\/p>\n
Turn off the television, phone away and take children outside. Is your child happy? Then that will make you happy too!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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