Child Development: The Importance of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is very important for child development. By bringing the child outside you are offering new opportunities for play and interaction. This helps the child to develop better communication skills, build their social development and shows the child they can have fun in a healthy and active way. It is okay for your child to go out there, play and get dirty as this encourages the child develop to their full potential, making way for a healthy lifestyle to take into adulthood with them.

Below are some tips on how to achieve this and how you as a parent can help with the same:

• Children learn through example so go out and play with your child. By playing with your child outside, you are also being more active and thus are healthier yourself.
• Evidence shows that physical activity releases chemicals in our brain that make us feel happier, we enjoy the time with our child and this improves the relationship we have with our children
• It is the quality of time spent together that is more important than the quantity. If you have a busy schedule when you are able to be with your child, switch off the electronics and play outside in an activity that will improve the connection between the two of you
• For younger children, the quality of their relationship with parents is important for shaping how they feel about themselves and others and acts as a blueprint for their expectations of relationships in the future and helps build a positive self-image.
• Older children still value praise from their parents even if they are more interested in playing with their friends. Even if you are not able to participate, make sure to be interested by watching them play.
• If you are excited about any outdoor activities, the enthusiasm you show around your children will draw them out to engage in “parallel play. As children often create their own version of the adult's activity nearby.

Attributed to Dr. Amy Bailey, Clinical Psychologist and Dr. Nishad Sayyed, Physiotherapist at Kid's First Medical Center in association with OMO
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