Children Need To Play Outside, Even When It Is Cold and Wet

The research is clear, children need to play outside. Children who play outside have higher concentration, fidget less, are better focused and more pragmatic compared to children who have not played outside.

Children do better at school when playing outside is a regular part of their day. Research shows that children who play outside for longer can maintain their attention better than children who do not get a break. Children also behave better after playing outside. A study published in 2009 found that 8 and 9 year old children showed significantly better behavior after playing outside for at least 15 minutes. So children need to romp outside.

Also Read: According to Research, Children Need Simple Toys, Not iPads or Electric Toys

Playing outside is a crucial and necessary part of children’s development. But what about in autumn and winter, when it is cold and wet outside? During bad weather, school breaks are often held indoors. Children play games inside, nothing to worry about, right? Nobody wants our children to go outside in the cold and rain, right? Wrong…

We must realize that playing outside is really important for the development of our children. We can take an example from the Norwegians. They always dress their children warmly and waterproofly. They always get the children outside and in contact with nature, they get extra oxygen and they have space to move. The Norwegians see it as unhealthy to keep their children indoors.

Also Read: Why Children Should Spend More Time in Nature

So children need to play outside. Dress your darlings warmly and protect them from the rain. We as parents must realize that children not only deserve to play outside, but that they actually need it for their development. They need time to be outside, to get dirty and to spend time with their peers.

Children who do not play outside enough cannot sit still, cannot concentrate, lose their focus and score less well on tests. Remember: fresh air is good for our kids, even when it’s wet or cold.

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