Let's Play Out!

It has been a trend for some years, but children are less likely to play outside. That's not a good news because playing outside is not only healthy and educational but also fun. Let's all play together together!

How often do children play outside? And how does that happen?

If we can believe British research (read well: British, which does not apply to Flanders and the Netherlands) , children are on average less than prisoners. For example, 26% of children in question would play out for less than half an hour a week. That's really little. This trend would be explained by various causes. On the one hand, it appears that parents are more cautious and see more dangers in outdoor games, on the other hand, electronic toys such as tablets are an attractive alternative for children to simply stay in. Some researchers also say that more school work leads to less outdoor games. A lack of safe playgrounds or a quiet street does not matter, of course.

Outside games lead to less obesity and less sighted children

You are reading well, playing outdoors is not only fun for kids, but also really important. A big difference between indoor and outdoor play is space: outside there is a lot of space to move, to make noise. But it is also more likely that children will come into contact with other children and thus stimulate their social skills. But there are other prominent but special advantages. The more time children spend outside, the less likely obesity (overweight) and all the health complications that come into play.

To the shop? Take the bike, step or go on foot. Tof!

Another big advantage is less obvious, but not to underestimate: children who have more outdoor games are less likely to be sighted. (Source: health.be ) Regular research has been carried out at this age and this is repeatedly demonstrated. For this, several causes have been found, so exposure to natural light is probably the main reason for a better view (also in the long term). But children who play out are also more practiced to detect remote objects.

There are also benefits for mom, dad, grandpa or grandma. Thus, after a day off, children sleep much better and are less stressed. That may mean that you as a parent yourself also have less stress?

Tips to play more outdoors

Who goes outside comes into a huge gaming world where so much to experience. Probably children will see more games than you can imagine. But you get some tips here, some inspiration needed.

• Sports and / or youth movement. Children who do an outdoor sport or are in youth movement are more self-evident. But outside the hours in the sports club or youth movement, they also learn a lot of fun at home. Outside football in the garden? A game they learned in the youth movement play in the forest?
• Bring inside out. Sometimes the toy that has a child has the reason that your child does not want to go outside. Well, do you just solve that by bringing it out? Even though you can play a lot without toys, this can certainly be a encouragement. Now, watching TV or on the outside of the tablet, maybe a less good idea.
• Aid in the garden! Whoever has a garden must also maintain it in most cases. Why would not you do this with a young guy?
• Make yourself comfortable: go for a terrace where there is a big playground. Win win!
• But above all: just send your children out. They are certainly enjoying themselves!

Outside playday on Wednesday April 19th

In Belgium it is out on 19th April. Schools are called to not give homework and everywhere you play outdoor activities. All info about this great day can be found here .