Our children’s relationship with the outdoors.

Sarah Lifestyle

Over the years we have seen how the way we view nature and the outdoors change. During the 1970s to the late 1990s, to be sent to the bedroom for a child would be considered a punishment as they wouldn’t be able to play outside; now, the bedroom is no longer considered a punishment.

With the current continuous growth of technology, it is becoming more accessible to younger people. For example, they have access to gadgets in fast food stores and even some soft play areas, meaning they are presented with an alternative reality almost everywhere they go.

Technology in the home

Technology does have its benefits, it has changed the way our children can learn and develop their skills for the future that will most likely be in the technology savvy world. Britain’s children still watch more than 17 hours of television a week, which is almost two and a half hours per day. As well as this, children are also spending more than 20 hours a week online -mostly spent on social media apps and websites.

Having this type of technology in a child’s life will be changing the way they see the outdoors. A screen-based lifestyle is considered by many as one of the main reasons why more children are choosing to stay indoors, instead of going outside. However, some also believe that although smart technologies can be educational, it is the well-meaning sensibility of parents that are limiting children when it comes outdoor play.

Stay in the garden!

Maintaining a home garden and encouraging children to actively engage in it can bring about a host of benefits. It encourages their curiosity, sparks creativity, and offers a safe environment for them to explore. While major areas of the garden can be developed with the help of CKC Landscaping (or similar companies), parents and children can collaborate on other aspects of the garden.

This involvement will foster a stronger connection between children and the natural world, cultivating a sense of responsibility towards environmental preservation and their role in it. To enrich this experience, you might consider the addition of a sunroom or an integrated garden space. Such a space allows children to spend more time outdoors, providing a sheltered area for both exploration and relaxation.

Furthermore, with a sunroom or garden space, not only you can enjoy your garden all year round, but it will give your kids the option to observe the growth and development of plants and animals in their natural habitat.

The good and the bad

Allowing children to play outdoors and connect with nature on a personal level, means they are more likely to have a healthier lifestyle oppose to those who sit in their house every day. This is because outdoor play is associated with an active lifestyle, whereas inactive lifestyles are associated to those who remain relatively immobile indoors.

Your childs physical health

More children than ever before would rather stay indoors than play outside. Around three in ten children in England that are aged between 2 and 15 are considered overweight or obese. If these current trends continue, then by 2050 more than half of all adults, and a quarter of all children, will be obese.

Your childs mental health

We are seeing an increase in mental health problems with children in the current digital world. The Good Childhood Inquiry found that between 1974 and 1999, the number of children suffering from emotional and behavioural problems increased drastically. Now, one in ten children between the ages of 5 and 16 have a mental health disorder that has been clinically diagnosed.

The way children view the world has changed significantly. Those who live in cities now see places in the countryside as a foreign landscape. As well as mental health problems, a lack of engagement with the natural world has meant that many children can’t learn the resilience and natural problem-solving skills that come with being outdoors and fending for themselves.

Playing in the outdoors is beneficial

Children who do not take advantage of the great outdoors have a lack of motivation for exercise to remain fit and healthy. This can play out in their adult lives and they may continue to have a lack of motivation for exercise. Infinite Playgrounds, designers of natural outdoor playground equipment, understand how and why a child’s experience has been limited when it comes to the outdoors in the modern age. If a modern society is to stay healthy throughout their lifespan, children should be looking to play outdoors to make exercise a part of their everyday lives from an early age.

Natural landscapes can be great for the imagination. By going beyond the boundaries, children can open themselves up to new experiences and sensations that they may not have otherwise experienced. Our natural world is highly complex, with an abundance of shapes, textures, and spaces for children to explore, discover, and hide within.

Physical and mental health are both intertwined, meaning that a child playing in challenging spaces is good for their overall well-being. Letting go of the smart device and getting children outside to explore the great outdoors might just be the making of them.

What measures can be taken to ensure the safety of children while they engage in outdoor play?

Supervision is crucial. While encouraging independent exploration, maintain visual contact and be within earshot. This offers a balance between autonomy and a safety net, especially for younger children.
Educate your kids about potential dangers.

Teach them about road safety, stranger awareness, and the importance of staying within designated play areas. Inculcate the habit of looking both ways before crossing streets and the significance of wearing helmets while biking or using other wheeled toys.

Dress your children in comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls. Applying sunscreen and insect repellent safeguards against sunburn and bug bites.
Promote hydration, especially during hot weather. Create shaded spots using umbrellas or natural shade and ensure they take breaks to rest and rehydrate.

Open communication is key. Encourage your children to approach you with any concerns they might have encountered while playing, fostering trust and transparency.

Similarly, maintaining the safety and hygiene of the play area is paramount. If you’ve installed a swing set or have a backyard pool where your kids enjoy outdoor activities, ensuring their cleanliness and sanitation is essential for their well-being.

For swing sets, regularly inspect the equipment for any signs of wear, rust, or loose bolts. Keep the chains or ropes well-maintained and properly adjusted to prevent accidents. If the swing seats are made of plastic or other materials, clean them with mild soap and water to remove dirt and germs. Wooden surfaces should be sanded and treated to avoid splinters.

When it comes to a backyard pool, ensuring proper maintenance is of utmost importance. Seeking assistance from a reliable provider of pool cleaning service in Woodland Hills, CA, or elsewhere, can prove to be essential. Regularly test the water’s chemical balance to ensure it’s safe for swimming. Remove leaves, debris, and insects from the pool’s surface and skimmer basket. Empty the pool’s filter as recommended and clean the pool walls and floor to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. It’s also important to cover the pool when not in use to prevent accidents and keep the water cleaner.

Additionally, provide hand sanitizers near the play area for your kids to use before and after playing. Educate them about the importance of cleanliness and proper hygiene practices.

By combining vigilant supervision, a secure environment, and education, you provide your children the freedom to enjoy outdoor play while minimizing potential risks and nurturing their physical and emotional well-being.