Summer vacation is well begun. The weather is growing warmer, and kids are getting used to having some time off from school.
Meanwhile, parents are scrambling to find methods to keep their children entertained during the summer vacation.
You probably recall your own childhood summers full of adventures outside in some patch of green near your house. Perhaps you had cubby houses, made mud cakes, or simply ran around looking for shade under the closest tree.
Not only have changes in family lifestyles resulted in children spending far less time outdoors than previous generations, but many children prefer to spend their time indoors playing electronic games rather than going out in nature.
Indeed, the majority of toddlers spend more than the recommended two hours per day on "screen time." Outdoor play, on the other hand, has numerous physical and mental advantages for children. Here are a few reasons to spend time outside this summer.
1. Physical well-being
According to research, children who play outside are more active and have a reduced risk of childhood obesity because they engage in more physical activity (how many children do you know who remain completely still outside?).
In addition, children who participate in school vegetable gardening projects create healthier eating habits, such as choosing healthier food choices. Children are more interested in a range of foods after they have seen them grow.
2. Immune system
Sunlight exposure boosts the body's natural creation of Vitamin D3. Children who play outside produce more of this vitamin, which aids in bone and muscle growth. It is also good for your overall health, but balancing your sun exposure is especially essential during the summer months, so use sunscreen as needed.
3. Cognitive abilities
Natural settings have numerous advantages in terms of how children's brains function.
According to research, being outside can provide a variety of cognitive benefits for children, including improved memory, reduced symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), increased focus, and improved reasoning skills.
4. Psychological condition
Being outside can also help children psychologically.
According to research, exposure to natural environments can reduce anger, lower the chance of problem behavior, increase regard for self and others, increase autonomy, and reduce depressive symptoms.
Exposure to nature also improves children's capacity to regulate their emotions.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is one theory for how children benefit psychologically from exposure to nature. It is believed that modern living necessitates long periods of concentration, which contributes to mental fatigue. This can make a person quickly irritated and distracted. Nature, on the other hand, can help to repair this cerebral fatigue and restore a person's well-being.
5. Happiness
Exposure to environment can also benefit children's overall well-being.
According to research, even the presence of nature (trees, grass, and plants) near children's homes can help them deal with stress.
Spending time in nature appears to have long-term benefits even into maturity. According to research, children who spend more time in nature grow up feeling more connected to nature and having more positive views toward environmental sustainability.
The stress reduction hypothesis provides one explanation for how nature affects children's well-being.
So, this summer, take your children to a park, go on a long nature walk, or simply let them play in the yard for a few hours. It is truly beneficial to them.
