By Javeria Faizan
When we were kids, it was the norm to spend our time playing outdoors. It provided us with a chance to engage in a lot of recreational activities. It was the one thing that kept us moving through our schedules. Once done with our chores, we practically ran out to meet and play with our friends. Alas, this doesn’t hold true for our children. This generation’s kids are certainly quite different from the last generation. The biggest difference is the length of time they spend indoors. We must understand the effects of outdoor activities on child development and make sure that they spend plenty of time playing outside to ascertain their better health and success.
Children these days are introduced to technology as soon as they start understanding the world. Gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, etc have stagnated their lifestyles. These have consumed them so much that they prefer to stay indoors. The trend of outdoor playtime is constantly diminishing and kids have disconnected from the natural world.
Another reason for this disconnection is a parental concern. Safety concerns are number one. These days there is a shortage of safe outdoor places to play. They also want their kids to stick to their scheduled activities and work towards achieving their goals. Worrying about prolonged sun exposure is also a reason parents want their kids to stay indoors instead of going outside to play.
Outdoor activities provide endless learning opportunities for kids. It allows them to express themselves freely without any restraints. Also, there are no space restrictions so they can jump, run, shout and explore their hearts out. The sense of freedom it cultivates also boosts their confidence.
The effects of outdoor activities on the early years of child development cannot be underestimated. Engaging in sports and interacting with our environment is incredibly beneficial to the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of their development. Here we describe the four dimensions that can improve overall child development and also helps to understand the effects of outdoor activities on child development.
The Effects Of Outdoor Activities On Child Development
1- Physical Development
The number of children suffering from obesity is increasing with each passing day. The major cause of this issue is most kids stay home and avoid the physical activity that is necessary for their proper growth and development. Outdoor activities provide a great opportunity to burn calories and spend the extra energy that has pent up. It also improves their balance, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and overall enactment. They also strengthen muscles, skeleton, immunity, and respiration.
2- Mental Development
The most important aspect of mental development is critical thinking. It can not be learned through lectures. To cultivate critical thinking a child must go out and interact with his surroundings. He will learn to think independently and solve problems on his own. Outdoor activities also enable them to enjoy nature and inhale fresh air which encourages proper mental growth.
3- Emotional Development
Emotional intelligence is far more developed in children who engage in physical activities. Play times teach them how to handle wins and losses. Facing different situations helps them control their emotions. They learn to stay positive even when circumstances are not favoring them. They become more active in seeking a solution to their problems and empathize with their playmates. It also provides adults with opportunities to impart valuable knowledge to their children which helps them become more mature.
4- Social Development
Gaming apps don’t offer team play. They encourage children the ease their comfort zone and play within the limits of the screen. Outdoor activities are the opposite. They stimulate child-to-child interaction and initiate lasting friendships. Playing as team members develop the children’s ability to relate with each other. Teaming teaches them how to work successfully as a single group. Leadership qualities, teamwork, and communication skills also develop.
We can tell from our personal experience that engaging in outdoor activities is very important for kids. No scientific study or research is needed to verify the effects of outdoor activities on child development. It sets out the right path for kids to become productive and responsible members of society. So take away their gadgets and send them out to play.