After living through the lockdowns of the Covid years, most parents will agree that remaining inside and not socializing with other children is detrimental. Online schooling is not the same as being in class with others and having an opportunity to play sports and generally be more active. One wonders, though, if parents have really thought through the benefits of outdoor play for children’s development.
Less Time Outdoors
Even before the lockdowns children were spending more and more time on their devices. They were playing games, watching videos, and generally spending hour after hour alone in front of a 
screen. For many parents it was easier to let them stay inside instead of making them go outdoors, and then have to supervise.
The long-term benefits of being outside playing and socializing with others far outweighs any short-term conveniences.
Step Into the Sunshine
Playing outdoors has so many benefits for kids physically, mentally, and emotionally. Set time for your children to be outside. Make it part of their day just as they have time set aside for other routines like eating, doing homework, relaxing, etc.
Physical Benefits of Outdoor Play
Being outdoors and playing games like catch or hide and seek encourages your kids to move. Moving is great exercise and helps kids develop gross motor skills, hand and eye coordination, strength, and general coordination. Being outside helps kids develop the skills they need for sports.
Childhood obesity was rare several decades ago, yet today one in three could be designated obese. More outdoor activity reduces the time they can snack on unhealthy foods and increases their mobility making them less likely to become overweight.
Other physical benefits include the following:
- Children with a normal BMI are less likely to develop asthma, diabetes, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease.
- Being outside provides the appropriate Vitamin D from the sunshine.
- Spending time using their distance vision instead of near vision reduces myopia or nearsightedness and the need for glasses.
Improves their mood and vitality.
Mental Benefits of Outdoor Play
Important mental benefits of outdoor play include improved concentration and focus, and they will sleep better at night.
Kids will improve interpersonal skills. They will develop organic friendships by interacting with others socially, learning to solve problems, decision making skills, and respecting others.
Being outside promotes curiosity and critical thinking.
Emotional Benefits of Outdoor Play
There are plenty of emotional benefits of children playing outside. Some benefits include:
- Reduced stress
- Increased independence by attempting activities impossible to do inside
- They will develop confidence as they try new things
- They will develop resilience by learning to withstand physical difficulty
Try Your Backyard
School-age children need several hours of outdoor play each day. You don’t have to plan a trip to the other side of town. Your own backyard can be a place for play, gardening, building, or socializing with others. Keeping your kids active is the best way to keep them healthy, strong, and emotionally happy.
Contact Cobb Pediatrics at (770) 425-5331 with questions or concerns if your child resists playing outdoors.
