Now that Covid restrictions are largely behind us and summer is here, it’s the perfect time to persuade the kids to venture outdoors to play. Having fun with friends, especially outside, isn’t just a rite of passage, it’s incredibly important for children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
With the government’s Covid19- mental health and wellbeing report indicating that school closures and lockdowns over the last couple of years have had a big impact on children’s overall wellbeing, it’s more important than ever to encourage outdoor play.
Why is play so important?
Well, it’s fun (that in itself is a good enough reason why it’s so important in my book) but play also has a crucial role in how we develop as people. Play helps children to:
- Learn how to make emotional connections with others
- Develop empathy and understand how social relationships work
- Improve self-confidence
- Cope with challenges and solve problems or conflicts
- Develop their balance, agility, fine motor skills, spatial awareness and co-ordination
- Learn to be more independent
- Develop language and communication skills
- Learn patience and understanding
- Become more creative and inquisitive
- Learn how to process emotions
How can spending time in nature improve children’s wellbeing?
Most of us have fond memories of rolling down grassy hills, making mud pies and climbing trees as a kid. We might not have realised why it felt so good, but the science tells us that being in natural spaces has a highly beneficial effect on people of all ages. Some of the main benefits are:
- Higher levels of Vitamin D
- Lower blood pressure.
- Increased physically activity and explore their environment.
- Experiencing the calming and restorative effect of green spaces which can help with reducing stress and anxiety, as well as improving mood and regulating sleep patterns.
- Helping children to learn to respect and care for their environment.
Combine playing with being outdoors and you’ve got a powerful tool to help keep your children happy and healthy.
Of course, in West Wales you’re not short of outdoor spaces where the kids can run wild. There are beaches galore and miles and miles of gorgeous countryside just waiting to be explored. For places to go, try the Discover Ceredigion, Visit Pembrokeshire and Visit Carmarthenshire websites.
There are also good old-fashioned play areas in most towns and villages across the region. To find your nearest play park, visit the Dewis Cymru website and search for ‘play area’ and then add your post code.
