Let’s Play Outside!
Let's Play Outside
A study by Living Streets found almost 50% of under 12’s never play outside and 25% of people knew less than two of their neighbours. 11% of parents of young children described their streets as “dangerous” and many have concerns regarding traffic volumes.
However outdoor play is a vital part of everyday life for children and too much “screen-time” indoors has been highlighted as a factor in children’s declining mental, physical and emotional health.
It is through outdoor play that children become “street-wise” and learn how to cope and avoid danger. In addition social aspects of outdoor play develop natural team building, comunication and negotiation skills and rule play. Developing and participating in games stimulates imagination, and concentration while this freedom and self-reliance develops self esteem and confidence.
Active play helps children maintain their natural healthy weight, “burn off” their boundless energy, strengthens hearts, lungs, bones & muscles and aids development of motor skills through movement.
Find ways of creating safer spaces for kids to play
– Walk to local places with children so the environment is familliar
– Teach children awareness of the dangers and practical ways of handling these.
– Set them boundaries, where they can and can’t go and what time to touch base.
– Encourage them to share what they do, who they do it with and where they play.
– Create networks with neigbours so more people are ‘looking out’ for them
Let them play outside whilst you enjoy a rare moment of peace and quiet!
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