As parents, the idea of your children playing outside the safety of your home can be anxiety-inducing. You tend to feel that there is so much that can go wrong! Yes, but it might be more helpful to think about how much your child is missing out by not being outdoors. Outdoor playtime is vital for children’s physical and mental development, helping them build a well-rounded personality.
However, this is not to say that your fears are irrational. But instead of acting on your concerns negatively – not sending your child outdoors – why not use these as pointers, and prepare. Worried that your child might get stung by an insect? Buy an insect-repellant spray or an Epipen if your child is allergic to certain elements. Worried about them being dirty? It’s nothing that a good body wash can’t deal with. Think other kids might give your child infections or headlice? There are plenty of child-safe immunity boosters and headlice-killing shampoos available. Additionally, there are healing creams in case your child hurts themselves, and sunscreens to protect from the sun. All this and more is just a few clicks away, on Click Pharmacy, to give you complete peace of mind when you take your child outdoors to play.
If you’re still anxious about your child being outdoors, here are a few benefits that might change your mind.
E-sun-tial vitamin
The benefits of sunshine are underrated. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in the development of bones and as well as a robust immune system. It is also said to improve mood and sleep quality in children. But excessive exposure can result in sunburns, so take care to apply child-safe sunscreen and only go outdoors when the sun is relatively mild.
Sense of wonder
Being outdoors can be great for your child’s imagination and sense of wonder for the world. For a young child, nature is awe-inspiring and mysterious at the same time, and being outdoors tend to help them make sense of their world and satisfy some of their curiosity. It is known to boost their ability to calculate risks too, as being outdoors is essentially a series of problem-solving exercises for the child’s developing judgment.
Appreciation for nature
Being outdoors can foster a close relationship with nature, as the child experiments with their surroundings. The smell of flowers, the shade of tree canopies, the texture of grass, the crunch of dry leaves, the sound of birds and insects… every aspect of nature can bring joy to children, making them more aware and appreciative of nature.
Immunity boost
If you cringe at stories of how your parents, when they were children, played in the mud and ate dirt, you’re not alone. However, you’re missing a crucial lesson here. Children need to play in dirty but safe environments so as to introduce newer germs to their robust immune systems, which in turn makes them stronger in the long run. As long as you give them a gentle bath after playtime, the mud and dirt are, in fact, your child’s friends!
Physical and social development
Outdoor playtime can help your child develop better motor skills and coordination as they explore how to use their hands and legs, how to run safely, how to climb trees, etc. This boosts their confidence and enhances their personality. A part from these activities must to keep check on your teenage kids.They learn to work around their limitations and build strength. Additionally, when playing in the company of other children, they also learn how to socialize and make friends – undoubtedly one of the greatest skills a person needs even in their adult life.
