Why is it important to let your kids play outdoors?

Recent research has shown that cutting your child off from nature can affect everything from their immunity and gut health to their mental state and even how they think and behave around others.

Outdoor play a thing of the past

Once upon a time, playing outdoors surrounded by nature used to be part of everyone’s childhood, but with the advancement in technology and the new ways in which we entertain ourselves (think TVs and smartphones and video game consoles), the concept of heading outside to do anything fun is becoming an increasingly rare concept in the developed world.

Exposure to nature has a whole slew of health benefits

Canadian health researcher and naturopath Alan Logan maintains that “your connection to nature established early in life to your experiences can actually influence [your] life course’s wellbeing”. He goes on to explain that  nature actually has a positive impact on a person’s stress levels and could stave off depression. It has been observed that nature can help children diagnosed with hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention-deficit disorder (ADD), and can even change their interaction habits by increasing their levels of empathy.

Yet another good reason to expose your children to nature is the important physiological impacts it can have. According to paediatrics specialist Professor Susan Prescott, “when we’re in contact with nature we’re in contact with all sorts of microbial elements with vitamin D from the sunlight, and of course physical exercise which are all good for our physical health”. This, of course, impacts on the body’s immune system, giving it a natural boost and helping to improve your child’s overall wellbeing.

So, there are definitely reasons to take your kids out to the park to play. Don’t leave them stuck in air-conditioned environments day in and day out. Let them run around in the open!