Nowadays children are more busy with school curriculum , studies, classes and could hardly find time for outdoor play. Beside busy school schedules, children also prefer to spend time with their favourite entertainment gadgets like television, smartphones, tablets and laptops.
And thus, outdoor playing takes a back seat, but it is actually very important and essential for better physical, mental and social development of children. Exercise while playing helps for strong bones and physical development. Not only that it help children to build stamina , confidence and good immunity as well. Playing in team is another advantage for social development of child.
Children learn about many things like nature, seasons and materials while playing out. Overall it is important to take children out more often. Parents can plan outdoor activities for children with following interesting ways.
1. Celebrations
Birthdays, graduation, celebration parties are other options to be outdoors. Instead of organizing parties at home or a hotel, go outdoors. Organize parties, play dates, celebrations at outdoor places and choose gardens, water parks, playground or amusement parks.
Parents can buy entry tickets of these places for all invited children as return gifts. Plan outdoor games like musical chairs, jumping race or just play with your little guests under the sky. Let children run, catch, jump, play and enjoy their celebration to the fullest.This outdoor party will be ideal opportunity for children to encourage playing.
2. Picnic to parks
Generally, people go to movie or malls on weekends or holiday. Instead of that, try having a picnic. Choose nearby gardens, parks, zoos, forts, beaches, temples or hills. Having a picnic at such places will let children know about the importance of these places. They will learn about different places while having fun. Pack enough food or barbeque on such picnics. Plus point is barbequing will teach children how to cook as well .
3. Trekking
For weekend getaways, plan trekking more often to nearby hills, forts or mountains. It will be pleasurable along with lots of physical exercise for children and parents too. Trekking will help children learn about nature, soil, rocks, forests, hills and mountains by practical experience. Children will learn lot about geography with own experience of trekking. If possible, plan camping on hills and show how peaceful life is without electronic gadgets and modern-day comforts. It’s a perfect way to get closer to nature.
4. Play dates
Playing with your children outside will help encourage outdoor play. Parents can plan and play with their children as and when possible to engage fullest with them. Follow some easy tips and make you play date with child more amusing.
First, decide what to play and where to play? You can select places like your home backyard, a local park, a community pool, or a play ground. Then choose fun games or sports to play and plan them ahead of time. Talk to your child about a favourite sport or a game. Also, invite their friends or classmates to make this as a play date. Outdoor play dates are more pleasing for children and in this way parents can know more about the friend circle of their child.
5. School activities or education centre activities
School is the place where children spend most of the time in a day and if school provides outdoor play and sports along with study, then it’s great opportunity for children to spend more time outdoors. Schools can encourage children to pursue outdoor activities by arranging professional sports training, seminars and sports contests often. Enrol your child to at least one sports activity at school from a young age .
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