Written By: Debjani Arora | Published : April 12, 2016 3:56 PM IST
No matter what age your kids are infant, toddler, young adult or adolescent playing is an integral part of growing up. Well, this isn t something you don t know. But then the play has taken a different meaning for kids today. The concept of playing in a park or other open space doesn t appeal to this generation much. And yes we are to be blamed for this. Our children today have easy access to computers, iPads, iPhones and other electronic gadgets that become their playmate. When it s time for some physical activity most parents prefer the sheltered play area of the malls pressed for time, secure and comfortable it becomes the most preferred option. However, there are reasons why you should head to the park with your tot, instead of a mall, here goes the list:
Playing in a park builds immunity: First, if you are worried that playing outdoors could make your child sick and catch an infection, know that it is just the opposite. In fact, playing outdoors helps tots and young children build immunity. The many times they fall in the sand and grass their immunity grows bit-by-bit. On the other hand staying confined to indoor environments like the play area in a mall or even a closed classroom can promote respiratory allergies and also make one prone to asthma [1].
Playing in a park helps social and mental development: Now imagine this, in a mall play area, no matter how expensive toys and playthings you have, it restricts a child s imagination to a great extent. Remember, nature is a teacher in itself, the open sky, green grass and the physical activity put together in a park are actually like an elixir for your tot s brain. This also improves social communication as children learn to deal with their own things and negotiate their way out in the open with other kids. A mall play area is guided and often restricts the essence of the play. There are no building sand castles, playing in muddy puddles or making paper boats during the rainy season.
Playing in a park helps reduce stress in children: Now, there is something called as Nature Deficit Disorder which means not being close to nature can actually be detrimental to a child s health. In fact, studies have shown that children residing in rural areas are less stressed than their urban counterparts as they grow amidst nature [2]. So even if you don t live in a lush green surrounding taking your child out in the park can help to relieve stress.
Playing in a park makes kids happier and healthier too: Kids who play carefree in the park can disseminate pent up emotions and tensions which pave the way to be happy. More physical activity means more calories burnt, better sleep and this means good health today and forever.
Playing in a park helps in building concentration too: Yes, outdoor activities go a long way in helping children develop concentration and no better way to do it than taking your tot to the park to play.
Reference
Epstein, B. (2001). Childhood asthma and indoor allergens: The classroom may be a culprit. The Journal of School Nursing, 17 (5), 253-257.
Wells, N., & Evans, G.(2003). Nearby Nature: A Buffer of Life Stress among Rural Children. Environment and Behavior, 35, 311-330. doi:10.1177/0013916503035003001
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