How Outdoor Play Helps Childhood Development

Children’s development is not a linear road that all youths travel in perfect order. Instead, it’s messy, and it’s full of exploration. More than anything, it’s crucial to note that little ones all develop at their own pace. One may be ahead of another regarding cognitive development, while another may be ahead regarding social development. However, that’s all normal. Outdoor play provides everything necessary to ensure every youth has proper child development. Let’s take a closer look at how.

Physical Development

Little ones slowly develop as they run and play. Toys and manipulatives provide plenty of opportunities for youths to develop the fine motor skills they need to write and draw pictures. Running and jumping along a playground helps teach them gross motor skills they can use to play sports at a later age. Children will learn how to balance and develop better hand-eye coordination.

Cognitive Development

Cognitive child development is crucial to ensuring they develop the mental abilities they’ll need for critical thinking. Most people don’t realize it, but there are many ways that little ones develop various skills while playing outside. Imaginative play encourages creativity. Seeing and feeling new things encourages curiosity, which can help create a lifelong love for learning and discovering new things.

Psychological Development

Being outside can help your little one’s mental health in several ways. Vitamin D is a critical component your body needs to produce dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps us deal with stress. Spending time outside can help young ones feel less anxiety and handle stress better, helping reduce severe temper tantrums. Letting them explore the outdoors alone allows them to develop the confidence to take on tasks independently.

Encouraging Outdoor Play

We all know that playing outside can be excellent for development, but getting your little one outside without a fight is essential. Consider limiting screen time to ensure they don’t sit in front of the television all day. Create a safe space outside for children to play with plenty of things to climb on and explore. A deck box makes a beautiful toy box to move non-electronic toys outside. Enroll them in preschool programs that encourage outdoor play.

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 71% of children under five live in a house where both parents are employed. This leaves plenty of time for them to spend at preschools. Ensure you enroll your child in a reputable preschool that understands the importance of spending time outside. Contact us today to learn more about our curriculum at Key Point Academy Doral.