In today’s technology-driven times it is common to find more and more kids glued to the television and their gadgets. Kids of today are increasingly spending their time indoors which is negatively impacting their development and health. Studies indicate a steady escalation in childhood obesity. On the other hand, playing outdoors offer several mental and physical health benefits to the growing kids. Children have a great need for physical exercise and activity and a chance to use their muscles to run, swing, jump, and to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. Playing outside also positively shapes the mental health and personality of kids – not to mention that playing games greatly assists in developing essential social skills, creativity, imagination, and team building.
Whether you’re 8 or 88, everyone benefits from playing outside. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the great benefits of outdoor activity.
1. Lowered Risk of Physical Health Issues
Children who play outside are more physically active, which helps prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. In addition, children who spend more time playing outside suffer less nearsightedness and are less likely to need eyeglasses (dad was right when you told you the TV was hurting your eyes, after all).
2. Behavior Issues Can Vanish
Children with nature-rich schoolyards are calmer and pay more attention to their teachers than children whose schoolyards have few natural elements. Even children with ADHA experience less symptoms after time outside.
3. Boosts Creativity
Indulging in outdoor games can inspire kid’s creativity. Being in the open natural surroundings can stimulate a child’s imagination and may stir up a lot of artistic and inventive ideas in him.
4. Attain Motor Skills
Engaging in outdoor games can help kids develop their gross and fine motor skills. They achieve better agility, coordination, and balance by playing outdoor games.
5. Develop a Love for Nature
Kids who spend considerable time outdoors may be more inclined to establish a lifelong bond with nature. They may become conscious of the environmental issues like global warming, deforestation, animal conservation and take steps for preserving nature.
We hope that the next time you find yourself telling your own kids that outdoor play is “good for you,” you’ll know why! So make this great experience even better and play outdoors with your whole family, and bring a Mozark backyard game along!