Collaborative Post
I have mentioned before that we try to get outside as much as possible. Both Steve and I believe that kids should spend plenty of time outdoors, whether it is in their own garden, playing sports or exploring the countryside.
The house we are living in right now has a very small garden – it could potentially be described as a ‘postage stamp’ garden which means we’ve had very limited space for them to do anything. Luckily we live just up the road from our village common, a large open green space for them to play on which also houses a kids park.
The house we are more than likely moving to has a much larger garden which means much more space for them to play and enjoy being outside. We only have their slide, their bikes and some footballs to take with us but with all this space, we’ve been considering wooden swing sets. We’ve been looking at the good quality products Wickey have to offer and have been very impressed. Did you know swinging benefits kids? It has many benefits for both body and brain! With us now having the space to be used, why not treat the kids to something we know that they will enjoy and will keep them out in the fresh air especially during the spring and summer months?
Physical activity is another big part of why we love the outdoors. Structured activities help kids stay active while they learn new skills. Families often find that local sports programs are a great way to stay healthy. You might look for tennis lessons in Denver (provided that’s where you reside) to give your children a chance to play on a real court. These types of activities help build coordination and keep kids fit all year.
But why, as parents, are we so keen for our children to get outside? The answer is that there are plenty of benefits.
It helps them improve their sensory skills
Studies have shown that children who regularly play outside actually have better distance vision than those who are always stuck indoors. There is so much for the senses to discover when outside from the scent of flowers to seeing the different colours to trying a wild berry.
It gives them better immunity
By being out and about, your children can help to develop better immunity. Spending time in and around nature can help improve happiness levels and moods. Plus who doesn’t love getting a bit muddy every now and again?
It helps with their development
As well as helping them to develop upon their sensory skills, they can definitely develop upon their cognitive, social and emotional skills too. There are so many different games that can be played outside that can help children to communicate better and build upon their imagination.
With all these different benefits to children playing outside, it is little wonder we aim to get our children outside as much as we possibly can. I can’t wait until we finally move and our children have plenty of space to play outside, have friends round and generally just have fun.
Do you spend a lot of time outside?
I agree with you, children should play so much more outside. Swings are so much fun! When I was a child, my grandparents installed an improvised swing in our garden, and it was the star of the neighborhood. All other children my age were coming daily to play with it.
We as parents or, in our case, grandparents don’t think of these benefits for kids to play outside, other than they love to do it. When I’m watching my grand kids, we go outside for a great period of time, weather permitting. It tires them out pretty good too!
I definitely agree that spending time outside has so many benefits. My sisters and I used to play outside all the time when we were kids. We would have loved that swing set!
To be honest even when I was a kid I didn’t spend a lot of time outside, I have always been an indoorsy person but I do think with technology being such a big part of kids lives playing outside is so important x
I agree that kids need to be outside, mine used to be out all the time either playing on their swing and slide or fighting the dog to go on the trampoline. My Daughter used to love being out helping her Grandad with his gardening x
I know from proof that my little boy benefits from spending time outside. Our recent half term was just awful weather wise, and I hurt my shoulder, so couldn’t drive. We longed to go on a mini adventure to our favourite places, but simply couldn’t. Being stuck inside was horrible. It is so nice to see the weather improving, and I hope we can get out a lot more soon.
I could not agree with this more…it is super important for kids to get outside learn and play and get some fresh air too xx
My daughter loves being outside. She just needs a piece of chalk and is happy for hours.
We haven’t had much opportunity to play outside recently because the weather has been so dire! But I love getting fresh air and playing – especially climbing! Roll on Spring!
I think it is so important for kids to play outside. We have a park just behind our house and my kids are always there playing and climbing trees.
My kids are much better behaved when playing outside, sadly this winter has been far too wet to get in the garden
My son loves to play outside and I am so happy that he isn’t constantly glued to the TV or xbox. Lately it has been freezing near us but the rain seems to have calmed down so after school he is straight outside with his friend or playing in the garden with dogs, its great because they get lots of exercise too
Playing outside is so key and it’s so sad that so many parents just rely on phones and technology for kids these days. Nothing beats being out 🙂