Article: BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR CHILDREN

By: Mrs Precious Nze

Nowadays, children tend to spend more and more time indoors. even most parents no longer allow their kids to play outdoors. Most kids are glued to television, smartphones, and other gadgets. But watching cartoons on television or using phones for endless hours can affect their health and personality as a whole. Being a couch potato can also lead to obesity in children. On the other hand, playing outdoor games can improve mental and physical health in children.

Exposure to outdoor play can also shape their personality and help them develop essential social skills. It is a wonderful way to help them develop life skills. Read on to know what good playing outdoor games can do to your children.

Now lets look at the benefits proper. Below are what Children stand to gain from outdoor recreation.

1. It gives them an opportunity to learn new things

Participation in outdoor games can be a brilliant way to enhance the learning abilities in children. They may learn important life lessons and skills, develop a problem-solving attitude, get to explore nature, acquire new information and an elementary understanding of science. When kids learn outside, they think of learning as an ongoing and fun activity, not as a boring activity

2. It can help in their physical development

Outdoor games keep kids active and can boost their physical stamina and Fitness. Active Participation in outdoor games can also strengthen their muscles.

3. It can boost their creativity

Indulging in outdoor games can make children more creative and boost their imaginative skills. Being in the open and surrounded by plants, trees and other objects can stimulate a child’s imagination, and boost their creativity.

4. It can help them acquire social skills

Kids who spend time outdoors and play games with each other tend to interact effectively with other kids and eliminate stage freight in contrast to kids who remain indoors and are isolated and withdrawn. If your child spends more time indoors and lives Within a shell of his own, you should urge him to go out and play with other children. When kids make new friends, take turns to play, or simply talk to each other, they acquire and improve their social and communication skills Without realising it and this skill can help them in the future.

5. It can help them develop a positive attitude

Children Who play outdoors tend to develop a positive attitude towards life and have a calmer and happier disposition. Also, outdoor play provides a great opportunity to channel their energy in meaningful ways.

6. It helps in personality development

Outdoor play aid in the personality of a kid. They learn to be independent and self-reliant. They learn to deal with emergency situations, setbacks, etc., sans adult supervision. This instils confidence in them and equips them to tackle life situations later on. Outdoor play also helps them develop qualities like discipline, sportsmanship, and leadership ; all of which are useful later in life.

7. It helps Improve the attention span in children

Playing outdoor games can also improve attention span in children. By playing outdoor games, your child’s concentration and observational and reasoning skills will improve.

Kids With ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can also benefit from outdoor play it can improve their attention spans too.

8. It strengthens their motor skills

Engaging in outdoor games can help kids develop their gross and line motor skills. They achieve better agility, coordination, and balance by playing outdoor games.

9. It improves their love for nature

Kids who spend considerable time outdoors may be more inclined to establish a lifelong bond With nature.

10. It makes them lead a healthier lifestyle

Kids Who productively involve in outdoor games are more likely to lead a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle later in their adulthood.

They have good decision-making abilities, they learn to challenge themselves and push their limitations thus becoming better at risk assessment.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Outdoor Games?

Excess of everything can be bad. Likewise, too much of playing outdoor games may not be such a great idea. It should be balanced.

Lets help our children's personality and future as parents and teachers.