Let’s talk about play and here are five crucial ways playing outside can help your child:
- Sunshine. Yes, sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. But it turns out that our bodies need the sun. We need sunlight to make vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in bone development. Sun exposure also improves our immune system, helps us sleep and feel better. In short, our bodies work best when they get some sunshine every day.
- Exercise. Obesity among children is increasing due to a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, they should be encouraged to be active for at least an hour every day. They can certainly exercise indoors, but sending them outdoors — especially with something like a ball or a bike — encourages active play, which is really the best exercise for children.
- Executive function. Executive function is a set of skills that include planning, prioritising, problem-solving, and creativity. It is crucial for future success. These skills must be learned and practised — and to do this, children need unstructured time. They need time alone and with other children, and to be allowed to create their own games, figure things out, and organise themselves.
- Taking risks. As playing outdoors comes with many risks, it makes many parents anxious. Naturally, we want our children to be safe. But if we keep them in bubbles and never let them take any risks, they won’t know what they can do, and they may not have the confidence and bravery to face life’s inevitable risks. Yes, your child may fall and break an arm or be rejected by the other kids. These experiences, if handled well, will help the child grow. The lessons we learn from failure are just as important as those we learn from success.
- Socialization. Children need to learn how to work together. They need to learn how to make friends, how to share and cooperate, and how to treat other people well. If they only interact in very structured settings, such as school or sports teams, they won’t be able to learn everything they need to know.
Do what our parents did – send your children outside. Even better, go with them. Play with your child instead of just watching them play.
By Parcsen Loke, Family Life Coach, Centre for Fathering.
Ask Your Child: What is your happiest memory of playing outside? Where were you, who were you with, and what were you doing?