Table of Contents
Should kids go outside and play?
Exercise. Children should be active for an hour every day, and getting outside to play is one way to be sure that happens. 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.
Why is outdoor play so important?
Outdoor play is a great way to model the joy of physical activity. When children run, jump, climb, throw and kick balls, and ride toys that require balance, they also build gross motor skills and start developing a habit of being active.
Why don’t children play outside anymore?
Changes in society have meant outdoor free play with friends has all but disappeared for over 50\% of children. Another reason for playing outdoors has to do with sight development. A terrific article.
Should we arrest parents for unsupervised outdoor play?
There’s growing evidence that unsupervised outdoor play is vital for children’s development and connection to nature. There’s also evidence that children today spend much less time outdoors than their parents did. So, if we’re arresting parents rather than encouraging them to let their children play unsupervised, what does this mean for our kids?
Why are children’s outdoor activities decreasing?
There are lots of reasons, including the marked increase in time spent interacting with electronic devices, the emphasis on scheduled activities and achievements, concerns about sun exposure — and, for many families, the lack of safe outdoor places to play. It’s not just children; adults are spending less time outdoors as well.
Are all parents like this when their kids go outside?
It was common growing up that you would go outside and play with your friends, or visit your friends in their homes, or have friends over to your home. “Be home by dinner” and “Let us know who you’re visiting” were the only real rules. No, all parents are not like this, though it’s more common than it used to be.