Outside play was once a very popular hobby for children of all ages. Kids used to ride their bikes up and down the street. They joined friends for games of dodgeball or hide-and-seek in the woods. However, the world as we know it has changed, and children’s play habits have as well.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to adjust our daily routines and habits. Our children had to do this too. In their new routine, sheltered and protected life, we started to see the actual value of play and being outside.
Here at Mark Their Words in Clarksville TN, Killeen TX, and Columbia SC, we strongly encourage our patients and their parents to get outside, be active, and keep their bodies as strong and healthy as possible. There is tons of evidence supporting outside time for children of all ages.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of sunshine and fresh air for your child. If your little one lives with a condition that makes it difficult for them to enjoy the outside time, give us a call to schedule a screening to help them enjoy their childhood.
Evidence supporting outdoor play
A growing body of scientific research has found some incredible advantages for a child’s development if you engage them in outdoor activities.
As your child’s physical or occupational therapist will tell you, your child will learn more about the world around them and their body when you get them off the couch and outside for some play.
As stated by Dr. Claire McCarthy from Harvard Health,
“Here’s something really simple you can do to improve your child’s chance of future health and success: make sure he spends plenty of time playing outside.
There are many ways in which this generation’s childhood is different from that of the last age, but one of the most abrupt contrasts is the degree to which it is being spent indoors. There are lots of reasons, including the marked increase in time spent interacting with electronic devices, the emphasis on scheduled activities and achievements, concerns about sun exposure — and, for many families, the lack of safe outdoor places to play. It’s not just children; adults are spending less time outdoors as well.”
McCarthy states six benefits of outdoor play: sunshine, exercise, executive function, taking risks, socialization, and appreciation of nature. But, what if your child has difficulty accessing the outside due to physical or sensory issues? Mobility aids such as wheelchairs can make accessing different terrains and levels difficult. Vision impairments may make parks unsafe.
You can breathe a sigh of relief: pediatric therapists can assist you with finding alternative access and ways for your child to play outside.
Pediatric therapists will consider your child’s age and help your family make the most of your outdoor exploration.
If you need recommendations on some great outdoor activities you can do with your child, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mark Their Words in Clarksville TN, Killeen TX, and Columbia SC!
Outdoor play strategies for children with special needs
If your child has a mobility impairment or sensory issues that make playing outside tricky for them, your therapist can strategize with you. They can help make outdoor play a fun reality for your child!
Let’s look at some examples:
- Swimming – Perhaps your child does not have the coordination for safe use of a pool. Still, with aquatic occupational or physical therapy, your child may learn to use adaptive equipment for increased independence in the water.
- Playscapes – Your child may be afraid of moving off the stable ground and ascending ladders or other outdoor play equipment. Therapy can work on this gravitational insecurity to allow the child to adjust to the level change to engage peers on the playground.
- Bicycle riding – To ride a bicycle independently, your child needs to have both balance and arm and leg coordination. Therapy intervention for this skill consists of breaking down the steps and skills and then putting them together as your child progresses.
Are you looking for more tips and tricks? Contact us!
A lot of research indicates that outdoor play is suitable for kids with special needs. However, as a parent, you do not need research to tell you that – you see your child’s face light up when you go for a walk or visit the beach! Regardless, you may need some guidance on optimizing your child’s playtime outside.
Our therapy team is ready to help your child explore, so give us a call at Mark Their Words in Clarksville TN, Killeen TX, and Columbia SC today and schedule an appointment.
Sources:
- https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/children-unstructured-play#
- https://pathways.org/outdoor-activities-for-kids/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880
Tags: healthandwellness, physicaltherapy, Health, wellness, pt, naturalpainrelief, healthytips, achesandpains
