Why Going Outside is Important for Children

Modern life has made it so that children don’t need to go outside their homes to interact with friends. Where older generations had to physically be at a friend’s house to engage in play or study, today’s children have the benefit and convenience of technology.

 

 

Children can pick up a phone and call their friends. They can jump online for a quick online game versus their friends who are also online. They have several more ways at their disposal through which they can contact their friends and the outside world in general. But even with the convenience that technology affords, it is still important to encourage children to go outside and spend time in nature.

Develops Creativity and Self Confidence

One of the reasons why is that being outside develops children’s creativity which boosts their self-confidence. Playing indoors lacks the tiny curve balls that outdoor play allows. For instance, while many adults were kids, sometimes there would be no ball to kick at the field yet somehow, the children would use their ingenuity and ‘devise’ a makeshift ball using a piece of wood or some other item depending on their surroundings.

Great Way to Keep the Body Fit

Another reason why it is important to encourage children to play outdoors is that it gets the body moving and thus fit. Just as it is important for adults to take walks and exercise, it is important for kids to find natural avenues through which to exercise their minds and bodies. Whether that is through coming up with strategies to win a game or just tumbling down the grass and throwing their legs around. The kind of unorganized play afforded by the outdoors is a great source of exercise for different muscles.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Finally, being outside reduces stress and anxiety. Indoor environments usually require prolonged focus and directed attention for long periods of time. Attention fatigue poses a threat to children’s cognitive and mental well-being. Getting out in nature relieves this attention fatigue leading to cognitive replenishment.