A number of factors have led to American children spending more and more time indoors. Passive entertainment such as television, computers, and video games\u00a0can make it difficult to get the kids outside. Concerns with safety make many parents leery of unsupervised outdoor play, while busy adult schedules often\u00a0interfere with supervised play. Still, it’s well worth the effort to encourage children and play and read outdoors.<\/p>\n
Healthy Living <\/strong><\/p>\n Childhood obesity rates are at an all-time high. Doctors are seeing hypertension and arteriosclerosis-two significant heart disease risks-developing as\u00a0early as age five. Clearly, children need to be more active. Nothing burns calories better than playing outside.<\/p>\n Outdoor play has mental as well as physical advantages. Exposure to outdoor light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, and stimulates the pineal\u00a0gland-a part of the brain that plays a role in strengthen the immune system. Kids who play outside also tend to be happier and sleep better after a full\u00a0day’s play.<\/p>\n Sensory Exploration<\/strong><\/p>\n When children play outside, they use all their senses. While television and video games only stimulate sight and sound, outside offers a world to see,\u00a0hear, touch, smell and (when appropriate) taste. This helps kids develop their ability to interact with the world around them in a way electronic\u00a0entertainment cannot. And while indoor kids are expected to maintain a certain level of quietness, outside lets them let loose to shout, sing, and act\u00a0like, well, kids.<\/p>\n Social Interaction<\/strong><\/p>\n Free play teaches children important lessons in communication and cooperation. They learn to keep score during games, to resolve conflicts and arguments,\u00a0and to work together.<\/p>\n Encouraging Reading through Outdoor Play<\/strong><\/p>\n You can stimulate outdoor learning by guiding children towards books and information that support their outside interests. Children who love nature can\u00a0read up on local animals, plants, and gardening. Kids who enjoy sports or games can read about the rules or famous sports players. Use books to encourage\u00a0outdoor activities, and watch children outdoors to get ideas for books they might enjoy.<\/p>\n