Do Away With the Gadgets and Send Kids Outside, to Play

This vacation, ditch the gadgets and send children out to play the real way. Here are some sciences backed reasons to encourage outdoor play and get some amazing ideas on how to make it a vacation that the children and the family never forgets. Technology has without doubt made our lives easier. No one can argue about that. However, for every benefit, there’s a drawback. Social media has helped us stay connected but those connections endanger our lives or mental health.

When it comes to our kids, technology is loaded with benefits. Online schooling, easy access to educational programs, and to be honest – a quick way to get them focused on something other than us while we are trying to do our chores. Many studies have shown that excessive screen time changes the entire structure of our brains. It also damages our children’s eyes, causes speech delays in very young children, and even interferes with overall development.

On the other hand, playing outside has far more advantages than drawbacks. Let’s look at some science backed reasons to send the kids outside to play.

Reason why Children must Play Outside:

A study conducted in 2016 found that playing outdoors actually helped improve children’s academic score AND prevented childhood obesity.

Children diagnosed with ADHD experienced a “significant reduction of symptoms” when they spent more time outside in nature.

According to a Harvard doctor, playing outside improves children’s critical thinking skills.

A Sanford Health doctor explains that playing outside can actually boost children’s immune system. So, letting kids get dirty is good for their health.

Playing alone outside, also, has benefits.

A study conducted in 2020, showed that “solitary activities” like fishing or exploring, improved kids' overall bond with nature.
In short, when we send our children outside to play instead of letting them waste their days before a screen, we’re improving their physical and mental health in ways that will last a lifetime.
Not many can afford to send their children for expensive summer camps or take them on brief holidays. It’s not really a major challenge to get children outdoors. There are so many things that one can do at home that cost little or no money.

Here are a few ideas –
1) Start your Own Family Garden
Plant a small kitchen garden growing different kinds of vegetables. If space is a constraint, just a small container of your favourite herb on your balcony. Give each child a pot and let them handle every aspect of growing their plants. They will enjoy and celebrate the experience of growing something with their own little hands.
2) Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to search for in the neighbourhood or on a hiking trail / picnic. Make a list of things they can find in the vicinity. Or better still give them a small camera and let them take pictures of things on the list. For example, a red leaf, a butterfly, a yellow flower etc.
3) Nature Arts and Crafts
From leaf printing to rock painting, there are so many ways to use nature in arts and crafts. Look at mother nature for inspiration.
4) If you have a pet, teach your dog some tricks.
5) Identify flowers and trees together.
6) Learn to identify bird sounds.
7) Make a puzzle out of your favourite photograph.

While we are not suggesting that you can’t let the children play on the ipad or even spend an occasional afternoon watching their favourite cartoon, sending children out to play is definitely a better alternative.