Research shows that children are no longer spending much time outdoors. This could be attributed to the various electronic devices that are available at their disposal, including TV, tablets, laptops, and phones. These children are now swapping active outdoor recreation for more sedentary activities, which can harm their health.

You want your children to develop into healthy, well-rounded adults with a strong sense of independence and compassion as they age. Getting your children outside is the best way to instill these values. But as a parent, you must limit your children’s screen time and encourage them to spend more time outdoors. One of the best ways you can achieve this is by purchasing play sets for outdoors for the children. This way, they will enjoy being outdoors more. Let’s take a look at why children need to spend time outdoors.

1. Enhance advanced motor skills

Kids who spend more time outside playing can develop more advanced motor skills, such as agility, balance, and coordination, than those who spend most of their time indoors. Children who play outside more frequently move in ways that test their muscles, bones, and physical stamina. Kids have the room to stroll, play, and swing in outdoor settings. They can ride bicycles, climb trees, and scurry around in bushes.

When children have the opportunity to exercise, their bodies and sense of self-confidence can be strengthened. Kids who play sports can develop their skills, such as kicking, catching, and batting – whatever they require for their particular sport – by spending more time outside.

2. It helps to lower their body mass index.

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and the primary causes are that Americans are eating more and moving
less than they used to. Children that spend more time playing outside are more active than their sedentary colleagues, which
lowers their risk of obesity. They are not spending hours in front of a computer or television. Instead, they are exercising and burning calories outside.

One study examining body mass index (BMI) in preschoolers found a connection between a child’s BMI and the time spent exercising outside. Compared to parents who restricted their children’s playtime, parents who let their kids play outside for longer typically had children with lower BMIs.

3. They get vitamin D

The lighting we often find indoors is insignificant in comparison to sunlight. Therefore, when we step outside, our exposure to light changes substantially.

This is important because when children don’t get enough sunlight, many things might go wrong. Kids who spend time outside can maintain healthy sleeping habits since the brain uses light signals to regulate its “inner clock.” Additionally, exposure to sunlight enables children to obtain adequate vitamin D, which positively impacts various health conditions, such as muscular function, bone growth, etc. Another reason to be concerned about your child’s sun exposure is as follows: Kids can focus better under bright light, which may also help the brain’s synapses grow.

4. It prevents nearsightedness

Hereditary factors have a significant role in determining whether a kid will develop myopia, or nearsightedness. But it’s also clear that being outdoors provides protection. Numerous studies have linked outdoor activity to the development of myopia. Nearsightedness is less likely to develop in children who spend more time outside.

Research also shows that increasing outdoor play can help delay or prevent nearsightedness. For instance, a randomized trial found that 6-year-olds given an additional 40 minutes of daily outdoor time were less likely to acquire myopia over the subsequent three years.

Why is the outdoors beneficial? Well, the eyes might benefit from a vacation from “close work”  such as reading. A child’s likelihood of developing nearsightedness rises with frequent close work. Another explanation is that exposure to bright daylight is good for the eyes. In any case, engaging in outdoor play is an excellent approach to lowering the chance of developing myopia.

5. It helps them develop their athletic abilities.

Young children may not automatically become more physically coordinated just because they play outside. For instance, in a study of preschoolers, researchers discovered that children’s fundamental motor skills such as throwing, somersaulting, and kicking a ball—didn’t significantly change depending on how frequently a child played outside.

However, kids typically have more mobility when they play outside. They can sprint at peak speed, scale towering objects, and swing from their arms—things that are generally impossible indoors. It is fair to assume that outdoor play could aid in developing particular physical prowess and skills in children. Children who play outside more frequently move faster than their more “indoor” counterparts.

6. Playing outdoors helps children learn how to be independent

Playing outside helps kids develop their sense of independence, according to studies. Although parents are typically nearby, children feel free to play in parks than in other situations. At the park, kids can experiment and explore without feeling under constant parental watch. With more freedom, they can experiment, learn their limits, and develop new games with their pals. Through this, they will gain confidence to aid them as they study and develop.

7. It makes them appreciate the environment.

One survey found that 87% of individuals who frequently played outside as children valued nature. 84% of the sample stated they still think protecting the environment should be a top concern. This enthusiasm has an exact origin—children develop a love of nature through direct encounters with flora and fauna. They enjoy the sound of birds singing in the trees. They catch ladybugs and fireflies. They enjoy sunsets, grow flowers, and go through parks. These good recollections inspire children to become knowledgeable, caring individuals. They are more driven to protect these locations because they know their significance.

Final words

As you can see, playing outdoors can help your child in various ways. This is why you must encourage them to play outdoors, even for just 40 minutes every day. Get your children play sets for outdoors, and you will see how much they’ll enjoy being outdoors. Check out more blogs such as “benefits of having a outdoor playset for your kids” or “How to get your kids outside”