What Are the Benefits of Outdoor Games in Children?
In a world of videogames, smart phones, and texting, today's children are less likely to engage in the kinds of outdoor play that previous generations enjoyed. Encouraging your kids to participate in outdoor games can reap many benefits that will serve them for a lifetime.
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Physical Benefits
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According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, "between 16 and 33 percent of children are obese." Excess weight in children can eventually lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lifelong eating disorders. A few hours a week of outdoor play helps young children rev up their metabolisms and burn more calories. In addition, running and playing aids in developing and strengthening a child's muscles.
Social Interaction and Teamwork
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Teamwork in action Handheld video games may work wonders for hand-eye coordination but many of them are solo ventures that don't help children learn how to interact socially with others. Outdoor games like baseball, tag or hide-and-seek teach children how to follow rules, wait their turn and how to play well with their peers. Healthy social interactions learned in childhood can serve a child well throughout his lifetime in dealing with others.
Imagination and Creativity
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Imagination is limitless. Free play outdoors helps to stimulate imagination. In a child's eye, a large rock can be a wild animal; a tree can be a tower. A child's fantasy world is infinite, especially when exposed to nature and the world outside his door. A study conducted by Case Western University concluded that a healthy imagination fosters creativity and enhances problem-solving skills in young children.
Benefits from the Sun
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A little sunshine is a good thing. It's important to protect children from harmful UV rays from the sun. However, regular exposure to a controlled amount of sunlight helps produce Vitamin D in the body, which promotes strong bones and teeth and boosts the immune system.
Overall Health Benefits
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Exercise helps to reduce stress in children just as it does in adults. Children who engage in regular outdoor play are generally able to manage life's stressful situations with more ease. In addition, children learn best by participating in an activity rather than being instructed in it or reading about it. Playing outdoor games helps them to get a better understanding of how the world works and their place within it.
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