10 Reasons the Outdoors Is Important for Your Child
We all know that spending time outdoors is important for children, but the team here at Test Innovators has dug into why it’s so important. The benefits range from improving sensory skills to supporting creativity.
#1 Vitamin D
Vitamin D activates the genes that regulate our immune systems and release different neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which both affect brain function and development.
#2 Exercise
Exercise provides many different benefits for children of all ages. Exercise can help release tension while releasing endorphins to boost your mood. Exercise also helps improve overall health while lowering their chance of obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and more.
#3 Socialization
When kids get outside and play with each other, they are learning how to interact with each other. They learn how to share, solve problems, and how to treat others.
#4 Stronger Immune Systems
When kids play outside they are exposed to dirt which is a great way to build their immune systems. They are also exposed to different types of allergens, which may reduce the likelihood of allergies as they get older.
#5 Improve Motor Skills
Various outdoor activities including running through the grass, climbing on a playground, and riding bikes help kids develop their motor skills.
#6 Creativity
When children are in a group playing outside together with limited options (or distractions) they naturally come up with their own games. Maybe they are on a journey to a far away land or they are pretending to be their favorite animal! Getting kids outside and away from digital distractions can help encourage their creative minds.
#7 Love and Respect of Nature
By taking away digital distractions and spending time in nature, kids have the opportunity to discover their environment. Maybe they will discover a type of bird that they’ve never seen before, or maybe they’ll find their new favorite flower. The opportunities are endless.
#8 Improve Sensory Skills
By getting your kids outside they are more exposed to a variety of senses whereas when they are playing on the computer or watching TV they’re typically limited to just two senses: hearing and sight. Outside they can touch the trees as they search for a good hiding spot or they can smell the fresh cut grass as they lay down to watch the clouds float by.
#9 Increase Attention Spans
When kids are outside, they aren’t playing on a computer or watching TV (which are designed for short attention spans); they are forced to focus on one task for a longer period of time.
#10 Learn Outside Their Comfort Zones
Whether it’s a trip to the local community garden or a trip to the nearest state park, getting outside allows children to learn about different places they may not be used to. By getting outside and visiting these beautiful outdoor spaces they can immerse themselves in learning how to adapt outside their comfort zones.
