Children are like tiny seeds. When we plant them in soil, we nurture them with water, good rich soil, and adequate sunlight. Along with this, we care for these new plants with love, watchfulness, and enthusiasm. Similarly, our children are no different, not even when they are in their teens.
Infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers all require a wide range of stimuli to experience holistic growth and development. They must be exposed to experiences that help them grow cognitively, emotionally, socially, mentally, and physically. Most parents have the misconception that outdoors and outdoor play is only beneficial for physical development, which is optional if compared to their academic growth. However, this is possibly a grave mistake we can make.
Outdoor play is not just the source of physical growth or gross motor skill development. Playing sports outdoors or just exploring free play in the park enhances a child’s ability to take risks, explore the limits of his/her own body, build strength and confidence in the bones and muscles of the body, and nurture the needs of their physical development. However, outdoor play also commands a crucial role in social and emotional development. Parks, gardens, and play areas are the prime spots for developing new friendships and exploring healthy separation from caregivers. These experiences also allow children to develop more self-esteem and self-confidence as they run, jump and swing with their friends and peers.
Outdoor play also enhances cognitive growth, by aiding in better spatial memory, understanding of depth, assessing risks, and more holistic brain development.
Above all, the outdoors and nature are spaces that allow our new-age generation of children to breathe fresh air and move away from their screens at home. Without their devices and gadgets, their oxygen will begin to rediscover their love for the beauty of mother nature, expand their lungs with fresh, and learn to just lay in the grass as they trade secrets with their best friends.
