It’s surprising that at an early age many children think of watching television and play video games when it comes to playing. More surprising is the fact that parents don’t direct them in the right steps to take. Our children should long to go outside to play a sport or do anything when bored. Playing outside gives children (and adult alike) many tremendous advantages no matter the weather or season, some of which this article will shine the spotlight on.
1, Playing Outside Improves Creativity
When children play outside, they enjoy free reign over their immediate environment. They can play to create anything they want, giving a boost to their level of creativity. Creativity is more than the game and plays they engage in. It has more to do with how they kick or throw the ball, what they do with a soccer ball, or how they come up with a solution when their team is under duress. While being outside is a great platform for creativity, it can also be a great outlet for imagination. Many sports games and courts for kids are available to ignite the imagination of your child.
2, Moderate sun is good
Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D for our children. Vitamin D helps their body absorb calcium better which aid their bones to grow healthy. Besides, spending enough time outside is essential to their sleep patterns, a vital fact that cannot be said enough. It also improves your overall mood. Remember it’s important that you protect your children when they play outdoors against UVA and UVB rays by using at least SPF 30 sun block.
3, It Improves Immunity
Did you know that playing outdoor sports enhances children’s immune systems? Just like the body system learns intellectual activities, it learns to prevent many auto-immune diseases when children play outdoors. So, next time you see him getting dirty while playing hockey or football, or her diving on a soccer field or beach volleyball court, don’t stop them. They’re only helping their body’s self-defense mechanism.
4, It Reduces Obesity
According to research, children who play outdoors have a lower risk of obesity in their childhood and that translates into adulthood! It is simply true since they are more active and undergo a higher level of physical activity. How many times have you seen a child who sits perfectly still outside?
5, Making Friends
Children can play video games alone indoors, but it’s more rewarding when they play games with others outside. They learn the art of teamwork, a vital skill for their future place in the working world. They learn to interact and make decisions collectively as a group, a large part of what builds them to be social beings.
There you have five reasons your child should play sports outside. Consider that a child who plays sports outdoors get to see friends engaged in activity. That alone could be the inspiration they need to discover their true hidden potential.
Five reasons to get kids outside
- Creativity. Unstructured outdoor play lets children invent games instead of following a screen.
- Fitness. Running, jumping and throwing build strength and coordination that no app can.
- Sleep. Daylight and exertion reset a child’s body clock.
- Confidence. Mastering a shot or a serve is a win they earned themselves.
- Friendship. A yard with something to play on draws other kids in.
Common questions about outdoor play
How do I get my kids off screens and outside?
Make outside more interesting than inside. Rules alone rarely work, but a hoop, a net or a small court within sight of the house changes the default. Play with them the first few times, keep it short, and let them own the space. The pull of a friend shooting hoops outside beats any tablet.
Is outdoor play safe in winter or summer heat?
Yes, with a little planning. In winter, dress in layers and keep sessions short. In Texas summers, play early or late and keep water close. Sport tile surfaces stay cooler than asphalt and drain after rain, which is one reason we recommend them for families who want the yard usable in every season.
What is the easiest outdoor sport setup for a small yard?
A half court basketball pad with pickleball lines. It fits in roughly 30 by 30 feet, covers two sports with one hoop and a portable net, and it is the most used square footage on the property in every home where we have built one.