Outdoor play is beneficial for children beyond the physical activity it provides. It helps them socialize, understand their bodies better, engage in imaginative play and enjoy the outdoors. In today’s busy and complex world, it can be difficult to schedule outdoor time with your child. But, it is something you should prioritize for your child’s healthy growth and development.
School-aged children need about three hours of outdoor play each day. While this is a lot to add to a daily schedule, the activity will contribute to the physical and emotional health of your child.
Unstructured physical activity improves the health of your child. It reduces the likelihood of obesity and weight-related health concerns which are becoming bigger issues for families today. Outdoor play also improves mental health as a result of physical activity.
A break from devices
Screens and the amount of time your child spends engaging with a device is a key reason why outdoor time should be a scheduled activity.
“Scheduling time to actively play outdoors sets a natural limit on the amount of time your child can spend with a device (such as TV, smartphone or video game),” says Dr. Lockwood. “It promotes active engagement with their peers and the natural environment, and helps them develop respect for the world and consideration for others around them.”
Replacing some recreational screen time with outdoor play also helps reduce the risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
Improvements to sleep, mood and social skills
Unstructured physical activity during the day also helps children sleep better at night. It can increase concentration and improve mood the next day.
Perhaps the greatest health benefit is in a child’s ability to learn how to engage with others while having fun.
Other benefits includes
Improves attention and memory.
Reduces risk of depression.
Builds strong muscles and endurance.
Improves blood pressure and aerobic fitness.
Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, sometimes called cardiometabolic health.
Reduces risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity.