Why Kids Need to Play Outside More
If you’re a parent in 2021, you’d probably love nothing more than to find some constructive ways to help wean your kids off of their screen addictions. It’s not that a moderate amount of screen time is necessarily bad; for example, some interactive digital applications can actually help children to learn, be creative, and gain some problem-solving skills. But the keyword here is moderate, and many of today’s children are getting lost in their screens for hours and hours on end.
Here’s a novel solution that needs no batteries or special technology – send your kids outside to play! Research continues to confirm that active outdoor play pays positive health and growth benefits for children of all ages. But one of the keys to outdoor play success is giving your children something engaging to do. More specifically, give them something to play on! And to that end, swing sets and outdoor play systems are just the ticket!
Benefits of Swing Sets & Playsets
So, what are some of the specific benefits of getting your kids connected with a swing set or outdoor playset? Glad you asked! Here’s just a short list to consider for starters; this list is far from exhaustive!
Gets kids outdoors
Getting outside to get some fresh air is good for the lungs, and spending time outside in nature is really good for the soul. Children need time outdoors to help boost their developing immune systems, and time outside is also a fantastic way to help clear their minds. Time spent outdoors has been positively linked to desirable outcomes including less depression, more energy, and the ability to enjoy better sleep. Having a swing set or playset available is a great way to encourage your children to spend some productive time outside, and also helps children develop a better appreciation for the great outdoors in general.
Helps kids to enjoy physical exercise
Playsets are a great way to get children to engage physical exercise in a way that’s naturally enticing. There are endless possibilities for jumping, climbing, and sliding, all which encourage motor development, lung development, and muscle development.
Consider a swing set, for example. A swing set is a wonderful way to help keep your child healthier and more active. The thrill of sailing through the air is intoxicating, but the only way to achieve those heights on your own is by pumping your legs to generate the needed momentum. Swinging is exercise-fueled fun, plain and simple.
Teaches important life skills
Whether playing in a group or waiting their turn for a favorite play element, kids can learn many valuable life skills out at the swing set or playset. In an outdoor play setting, children can learn essential skills involving cooperative play, playing fair, compromise, and teamwork, among others. But what if a child is playing solo, or simply doesn’t want to socialize on a particular day? That’s fine, too; they can still learn things about the value of patience, taking turns, and respecting personal boundaries. In many ways, some of life’s best lessons can really be learned out on the playground.
Inspires creativity & imagination
Part of mental wellness for children involves giving them opportunities to play outside and grow their imagination by being able to create their own adventures. Physically navigating and manipulating a playset or swing set in person will engage your children in a way that an electronic screen never can.
The swinging experience is just plain relaxing
Between juggling school performance expectations, managing the hustle and bustle of all those extracurricular activities, and dealing with the stresses of being part of a modern family, kids today experience more stress than many people realize. The simple, peaceful motion of swinging gives kids (and adults!) a great chance to relax, unwind, and de-stress. There really is no right or wrong way to swing, and there’s no particular goal one has to achieve. Swinging is fun, it’s soothing, and is an activity to be encouraged.
Outdoor play helps to build community
If your child has already established lots of peer relationships, then swing sets and playsets give something for your child to do with friends and neighbors. And if your child is more socially awkward or hesitant, playgrounds present a non-threatening environment for establishing new relationships and making new friends.
Provides real benefits to parents, too
Having a swing set in your own backyard, or having convenient access to a nearby playground isn’t just good for your kids; it’s good for parents, too. While the kids are outside enjoying their play time, that can also provide a window of opportunity for you to be able to focus on some other things you need to take care of. Outdoor swing set or playset activity also helps your children to burn off some needed steam, which means you’ll have less of a fight on your hands whenever it’s time to put your children to bed. In addition, a swing set that’s big enough to accommodate adults gives you something you can enjoy for yourself during your own spare time, as well!
Even If You Own a Backyard Playset, It’s Great to Take Your Kids to the Playground, Too!
Having a personal playset in your own backyard is a wonderful thing, but sometimes there’s really no substitute for taking your children to a local Inclusive playground equipment with the best commercial-grade play equipment. Don’t know of a good local playground near you? Then it’s time to encourage your local park, school, church, or HOA group to invest in a perfect commercial playground facility installed by the pros at Carolina Recreation & Design! They can install whatever custom play solution you may be looking for, and they can take care of everything from site planning, to site preparation, to needed site amenities. Connect with Carolina Recreation & Design today, they’d be happy to answer any and all of your questions!
Author Bio
Diane Carter
Diane writes for Home Improvement, Playgrounds, Lifestyle, travel-related topics additionally. He had a passion for the recreation and design industry for more than ten years. Diane has become an experienced Redesign in this industry. His goal is to help people with his vast knowledge to assist them with his best suggestions about different activities: Playground Equipment at Club, Hills – Shade Structures, splash pads, Picnic Shelters.