Playtime has evolved from what it used to be in the earlier days. Gone are the days when playing meant going out and exploring nature. Today, kids gravitate to gadgets for fun. Virtual reality attracts them more than going out. While this makes them technologically progressive, it is not ideal for healthy child play. Kids are swapping active play for a sedentary lifestyle.
This disrupts their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Reducing screen time is essential if you want your kids to become physically healthy, well-rounded, and compassionate. Giving them outdoor toys and encouraging group play gives them much-needed exposure for overall development. It teaches them crucial life skills and makes them ready for challenges. Besides this, here is how outdoor toys for kids are helpful:
Teaches new concepts
Most outdoor games encourage hands-on exploration. There is no automation and spoon-feeding of information. If kids want to learn, they need to get active. This helps them understand new concepts organically. Practical learning always surpasses theoretical knowledge. Understanding shapes, colours, and other similar concepts through a screen is one thing. But exploring it through touch, texture, objects, and physical processes helps learn better.
Develops athletic abilities
Although outdoor play does not make your kids sportsperson, it promotes athletic skills. Studies show that kids engaged in physical play in open spaces develop better motor skills. Basic activities like running, throwing, kicking, skating, etc., structures their limbs. It also makes them learn from falling and understanding how spatial awareness works. There are specialised sports toys that contribute to this.
Reduces stress
Have you ever noticed how increased screen time leads to fatigue? It also strains the eyes and makes you drained. Also, this kind of exhaustion is not healthy. It leads to stress and other health problem. Imagine kids going through this from an early age. Undoubtedly, this is not good for them. Spending time outdoors eliminates these indicators of stress. Kids get to enjoy open green spaces and restore their energy.
Boosts social skills
Another aspect of gadgets is their ability to distance us from reality. Sure, they are a great source to learn complex information. Also, they are the future of learning. But they limit us from having human interaction, which is equally important. By giving kids outdoor toys, you encourage them to get out and socialise. They play with their friends and become empathetic, socially expressive, and better articulate their emotions.
Better sleep
Kids from the infant stage to teenage years need to stay active. This allows them to have healthy physical development. Besides, physical activity is excellent for getting a sound sleep. Hence, outdoor games facilitate this. Encourage them by introducing age-appropriate toys. For toddlers, baby ride-on toys are ideal. As for pre-schoolers and elementary kids, skates work well. Cycles are an excellent choice for older kids.