8 benefits of outdoor play for children during springtime

8 benefits of outdoor play for children during springtime

Posted by Kostiantyn Kyrylov on

Outdoor play, especially in the springtime, is an essential part of childhood. Children playing outside can improve spatial recognition by engaging in simple activities such as seeing leaves change, jumping in puddles, or watching the flowers sprout during the spring. Not only that, but kids who spend much active time outdoors in their early years continue to be more active as they grow old. Here are the benefits of Outdoor Play during springtime:

  1. Improved muscle and motor strength

A repetitive, sometimes monotonous, playground activity such as playing on the swings can help young children develop muscle strength.  Children also tend to increase their ability to balance, jump, climb, throw, run and skip improving growth, physical coordination, and the body's movement.  

 

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/stocksnap-894430/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2619201">StockSnap</a>
  1. Improved overall health

Exposure to sunlight improves moods resulting in a robust immune system. It also limits a child's risk of becoming obese has many long-term health implications.  Outdoor play benefits children with ADHD by giving them an outlet for the activity and energy that often creates issues indoors.

  1. Improved openness with parents and caregivers

When kids are indoors, they often compete for attention with other children, such as schoolmates or siblings. When kids spend time outside, they can imagine more. When outdoors, they generally feel less overwhelmed because they are not confined and have the physical space to move around. It often results in a child being more willing to open up and talk about things with their parent or caregiver.

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/rudyanderson-437598/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=442257">Rudy Anderson</a> 
  1. Stronger sense of self-awareness 

When kids play outdoors, they are more likely to develop more substantial reasoning and observation skills. It allows them to explore the world from a different perspective and shows them how to be aware of the space they're in. 

  1. Appreciation for the environment

By spending much time outdoors, children learn to appreciate the environment and the natural elements and surroundings because they have firsthand knowledge of plants and animals. These childhood experiences lead children to foster more awareness and compassion.

 

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jvalley678-4624347/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2086910">jvalley678</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2086910">Pixabay</a>
  1. Improved peer-to-peer relationships

Outdoor play often requires imagination and teamwork, and this helps children have positive interactions with each other. By interacting, collaborating, and negotiating with others, studies have shown that kids who play outdoors are less likely to bully other children.

 
  1. Develop a sense of independence

Children generally feel a sense of freedom when they're at the park that they don't experience elsewhere, for they get to explore and take limited risks. They can explore their boundaries and figure out what they're capable of doing, giving them the confidence that will help them as they continue to learn and grow. 

  1. Aid with brain development

When kids are running around outside, they invent games, explore the world around them, and experience independent feelings. It makes them upskill their organizational abilities and decision-making skills. They also learn the importance of creating and following rules.

By being outside, in an expanded learning space, kids then understand that they can learn anywhere. It's essential to encourage children to spend time away from the screen and enjoy the outdoors, enabling them to develop a healthy attitude about maintaining an active adult lifestyle.

Older Post Newer Post