Every adult’s childhood has been about making memories by playing outdoors! As soon as the clock struck 4, every kid would rush outside and brainstorm what games they could play.
However, with changing weather and increasing academic pressure, the ritual of playing outdoors may be going out of style.
Outdoor play contributes significantly to the physical growth and personality development of children. This is why it is necessary to encourage your kids to engage in outdoor play. Here’s why:
Outdoor play involves constant physical activity which requires you to utilise your cognitive abilities. At the same time, kids are forced to stay alert and exhibit sharp reflexes while playing outdoor games.
This is not done consciously. Instead, it is a natural expression out of fun. However, with this practice of showing sharp reflexes for the sake of winning outdoor games, a kid develops efficient motor skills and sharp reflexes.
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If you force your child to sit at home all day and study, it can cause them to gain weight. Obesity at a young age can be detrimental to normal child development.
This is why physical activity is encouraged so much. Outdoor play allows children to move their bodies a lot, causing them to sweat and burn extra calories. This ensures that they do not gain any extra weight.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy kids’ growth and it can be naturally acquired by letting their skin be exposed to the sun.
One of the most important benefits of outdoor play is the ability of the kids to absorb vitamin D while engaging in fun activities. It ensures that they grow up to have strong bones and a powerful immune system.
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While outdoor play is extremely fun for children, it can also be quite exhausting. However, this exhaustion is essential for child development.
Exerting your body promotes the breaking and repair of kids’ muscles. This further strengthens their body. At the same time, such exhaustion guarantees a good night’s sleep which empowers them to make the most of the next day.
It is impossible to play outdoors without any company. Your kid is bound to meet new people and engage with them to derive maximum fun and enjoy themselves to the fullest.
This leads them to build social skills, effective communication, and meaningful bonds. Kids are forced to constantly communicate and socialise when they are playing together.
Moreover, making outdoor play a routine will ensure that they’re getting to play with the same set of people which leads to the formation of strong connections.
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Hanging out with kids of their age while playing outdoors teaches them the values of kindness and empathy.
In case of any accidents, their friends will be there to help them up and console them. When they receive this treatment, it teaches them to offer the same kind of behaviour to others.
Socialising from childhood itself significantly increases the emotional maturity in children.
As your child spends more time having fun with different people, they gradually become aware of their cultural backgrounds. Due to their young age, they will be able to understand the significance of diversity without any inhibitions.
This teaches them to value and respect every culture and religion from a young age. Thus, outdoor play does not just improve physical health but also promotes values and principles.
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It is not possible to stay under adult supervision all the time during outdoor play. This is how one of the benefits of outdoor play is the building of self-confidence and resilience.
If your kid trips and falls, they learn to pick themselves up and ask for help whenever necessary. At the same time, losing or winning games teaches them how life is full of ups and downs and they need to navigate effectively through.
This helps them become a confident and resilient adult.
As kids spend more time amid nature, they understand the importance and contribution it plays in making our lives better.
Thus, outdoor play builds self-aware and responsible citizens out of children who prioritise nature preservation, condemn the cutting of trees, and limit the use of plastic. It is essential for child development.
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Finally, outdoor play has a rejuvenating effect on the mental health of children. It is an outlet for them to release pent-up energy and experience happiness and relaxation in return.
It offers them positive experiences which are essential for their healthy growth and development. They will be more likely to succeed in other aspects of their lives and form healthy relationships with people.
Thus, it is quite simple to understand that outdoor play is a significant part of child development. It not only guarantees improved immunity, strong bones, and a physically fit body but also has a positive impact on their mental health and emotional maturity.
Outdoor play teaches them the values of empathy and kindness while also making them aware of diverse cultures and respecting them. Outdoor games help them become self-confident, make meaningful connections with other kids, and work towards nature preservation.
JBM Global, one of the top schools in Noida, is responsible for teaching all kinds of values to its students. The teachers at this prestigious institution organise tree plantation programs, encourage outdoor play, and arrange group activities for the students. This ensures that they remain physically fit, develop social skills, learn the value of empathy, and prioritise the well-being of the environment.