2023-07-03 04:03:25
Find out why your child has everything to gain by playing outside often this summer.
July 3, 2023 | Rain or shine, you have everything to gain by bringing your child outside to play often this summer. It is the best playground to offer him so that he becomes physically skilled, confident, curious and creative. Whether in the park, in your yard or in the forest, here are 6 good reasons to encourage free play outdoors.
1. Improve your child’s physical skills
When he plays outside, your child moves more. It is on average twice as active as indoors. Being outside makes him want to run, jump, climb and throw. All of these movements improve his physical abilities. The elements of nature also offer him small challenges and lead him to move in different ways. For example, when he walks over uneven ground or walks up a small hill, he exercises his strength and balance.
2. Develop confidence
Free outdoor play encourages your child to take small risks. He can, for example, climb on a rock, jump over a puddle or climb a tree. This leads him to know his physical abilities and to test his limits. Taking on small challenges and facing certain fears while playing outside (eg fear of insects) also develops his self-confidence. In addition, when your child realizes that he can achieve things even if it is more difficult and that it scares him a little, he improves his sense of self-efficacy.
3. Offer stimulating experiences
When your child plays outside, he is in direct contact with nature. He can, for example, observe insects or small animals, touch the texture of trees and smell the smell of leaves. He thus develops his curiosity and his knowledge. His language is also stimulated, as playing outside can lead him to talk more and ask questions. In addition, as nature is constantly changing, your child must adapt to different contexts to play (eg changes in temperature, light or ground texture).
4. Encourage creativity
No need for toys or equipment to play outside. Your child uses his imagination and the elements of nature to have fun. He can simply play to build a sculpture with rocks or create a flower on the ground with seashells he has collected. He can also be creative in his games, for example using a branch as if it were a broom, a fork or a magic wand. He can also play in the restaurant and prepare a soup with leaves, grass, stones and water.
5. Help her feel good
Playing outside has mental health benefits for your child. Moving more helps her sleep better, and it has a positive effect on her mood. Studies have also shown that contact with nature brings a feeling of general well-being. This releases tension and allows you to be more attentive and focused at other times.
6. Maintain good physical health
As your child is more active outside, it improves their physical fitness and thus helps to prevent weight problems. Not to mention that playing outside encourages looking into the distance, which is good for his vision in general. In addition, sunlight would help prevent myopia.
Safe, risky play outdoors
Some parents are afraid that their child will hurt himself when he plays outside. However, several studies confirm that even if active outdoor play involves risks, it is safe. Yes, your child can fall, get dirty, bruised or scratched while playing outside, but serious injuries are really rare. It is also advisable to let him play freely and take risks. This is how he becomes aware of his limits and his abilities. If this is difficult for you, follow the 17 second rule. Remain calm and wait 17 seconds before intervening, for example when you have the impression that your child is going to fall and hurt himself while climbing a tree. Often your reaction will be to do nothing because everything will have gone well.
To find out more about the benefits of playing outside and find ideas for activities to do with your child, see the following fact sheets:
Julie Leduc – Born and grow team
Photo : GettyImages/kool99
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