Children benefit more from actual play than from so-called “educational” video games. We suffocate their natural instinct of learning through environmental and social experiences. Letting them play outside with their peers teaches them about the real world, and develop skills that are useful when they become adults. Allowing them to learn the consequences of their actions and gain a scar or two will benefit them more in the long run.
Dr. Max Pemberton explains that cocooning our children does not assure them a “safe” future. It only diminishes their inherent capability of using their own brains to assess their environment and make decisions for themselves. Something will always go wrong, and our lives are basically a matter of avoiding dangers that can end us. But what is life without experiencing and learning from it?
Of course, muddy playgrounds result in dirty laundry, but having your children play with other kids will benefit them socially, cognitively, and physically. How we raise our children now will determine how they will lead their own lives as adults. Teaching them to be kind to rude kids is a far better lesson than teaching them strategies for a video game.
- Keep running – Most non-communicable diseases are aggravated by sedentary lifestyles. Sitting down for more than eight hours a day makes people overweight or obese. Eating at irregular hours causes your metabolism to fluctuate, causing internal organ disorders that result in higher rates of morbidity. Keeping children active by allowing outdoor play not only gets them sufficient amounts of healthy sunlight, but also promotes better bodily functions and boost the immune system. (Related: Children need to be allowed to play in the dirt to fully develop their immune systems, expert claims.)
- It's okay to cry – It's important for children to learn the value of emotions, and how to control them. Conflicts that arise from playground interaction and bruises from falls are normal, and it teaches them that crying is a way to release pain. Furthermore, they will learn to experience happiness from the simple act of sharing a see-saw with a new pal.
- Look at me, mom! - A five-year-old climbing a jungle gym will be proud to reach the top. By learning to conquer their fear of heights, they also learn to take calculated risks that eventually result in achievement. Praising them for a job well done encourages them to do more, and teaches them to have confidence in their skills and abilities. Children that are confident tend to reach their goals better than sheltered ones.
- Social butterflies – More often than not, a kid seeing another kid will result in play. As young as they are, these children start choosing who they want to be surrounded with and learn how to deal with other kids who don't fall into their category. Aside from learning the value of conversing with their peers, they also learn the importance of flying solo. Playground encounters develop an individual's social skills, which will help them become better communicators in the future.
- Better than school – Allowing your child to play outside is not just entertaining, but also highly educational. Playgrounds induce cognitive development, especially in young children. They learn how to work their way up the top of the slide without falling down; they figure out that see-saws take two people to work; and learn that monkey bars are dangerous when slippery. Through imagination and logical reasoning, they get to form their own opinion and perception of things, thus creating unique individuals who are smart enough to avoid cuts and bruises all the while enjoying themselves.
For more on children's education, visit Homeschooling.news.
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