As technology advances, children are spending more time indoors playing video games, watching TV or using their smartphones. Unfortunately, this sedentary lifestyle poses a threat to their mental and physical health. However, allowing children to engage in outdoor play has great benefits for their wellbeing. Here are just a few of them:

Physical Fitness
Outdoor play is an excellent way for children to get the exercise they need to stay physically fit. Whether it’s running around, climbing trees, riding bicycles, or playing team sports, outdoor play encourages children to engage in physical activities that keep their muscles strong, and their lungs and hearts healthy.

Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight is an essential source of vitamin D, and outdoor play provides children with the opportunity to absorb this critical nutrient from the sun. Vitamin D is vital in helping children’s bodies to absorb calcium, which is essential for bone growth and development.

Emotional and Social Development
Outdoor play helps children develop their emotional and social skills. When children play outdoors, they learn to interact with others, communicate, express their emotions and solve conflicts. Furthermore, outdoor play allows children to explore their environments, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

Stress Relief
Studies show that outdoor play can reduce stress levels in children. Being outdoors can have a calming effect that helps children relax and unwind. This stress relief can be a game-changer in many children’s lives, as stress can have harmful effects on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Better Sleep
Children who play outdoors are more likely to have sound sleep. Outdoor playtime exposes children to natural light, which helps the body to maintain circadian rhythms that regulate sleep. This means that children who engage in outdoor play are more likely to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

In conclusion, outdoor play offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall wellbeing of children. Parents who encourage outdoor play, promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime. It is essential to allow children ample opportunities to play outside, providing them with every chance to develop strong social skills, healthy bodies and a calm, focused mind.