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In the early 1980s, a biologist from Harvard University showed that humans were instinctively drawn to nature. But if you look at the children of this generation, you almost start to doubt this theory. Because many children nowadays prefer to sit in front of a screen rather than play outside.
In America, it is reported that children only have an average of 4 to 7 minutes of unstructured play outside per day, while they spend more than 7 hours per day in front of a screen. These figures are quite disturbing, especially when you consider that it is really much better for a child to play outside a lot.
Also Read: 5 Things you as a parent should never say to your children
Why Kids Need to Go Outside
Recent studies show the benefits, if not the necessity, of spending time outside in nature. Children who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive and less nervous than children who spend more time indoors. So buy comfortable children’s clothing that can take a beating and let the kids romp outside. Below you can read why nature is so good for our children’s brains:
- It creates self-confidence. The way children play in nature has much less structure than most games they play indoors. There are many ways to respond to their environment and the child has the control to respond as they wish.
- It ensures creativity and imagination. This unstructured way of playing allows children to consciously interact with nature. They get the opportunity to think more freely, devise their own activities and approach the world in an inventive way.
- It provides different stimuli. Nature provides a lot of stimulation to our brains. It activates the senses and when children spend a lot of time indoors, children’s senses diminish.
- It gets children moving. Working outside requires much more exercise than sitting indoors on the couch. Even a walk gets your child’s blood pumping. So even when it is cold, it is important to let your child run wild outside. Therefore, put on a good rain or winter coat for your child in bad weather and still go outside.
- It makes them think more. Nature creates an environment in which children can wonder about things. This ensures that children in their backyard, a park or forest ask questions about the earth and the life that our earth supports.
It’s not always easy to fight your kids about screen time, but do it anyway. Because you really do it for the health and happiness of your children!
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why It Is So Important For Children To Play Outside
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