Why is it so important to play outdoors?

Playing outdoors is very important for the development of children, as well as for creating defenses and good habits that allow them to grow in a healthier environment. Living in a big city is a challenge for parents who are not satisfied with entertaining their children only with the help of the television or a video game console. Children need, as grandmothers would say, to “air out.” The problem Never before like now, childhood obesity and diseases derived from a sedentary lifestyle were a common problem. It is normal to see “chubby” children without this causing major concern. Many times, it is believed that diabetes and high cholesterol are conditions that come with age. Today, it is well known that its origin is found in poor eating and physical activity habits, acquired since childhood. The brain generates connections from what is done most frequently, as if they were paths that we learn to follow throughout life. What better inheritance for future generations than to share with them the taste for outdoor activities and in close contact with nature. Children have a need for movement, which involves jumping, screaming, running and getting dirty. The body is wise and looks for what it needs. Activities as simple as jumping rope or playing airplane are excellent ways to strengthen muscles, lungs and heart; improve their coordination and intelligence in time and space, as well as develop their social and team skills. Educating children is really a matter of balance: developing their patience and tolerance as well as their creativity and coordination; scroll sparking their imagination and teaching them to live with their peers and the nature that surrounds them. It sounds complex, right? In practice it is much simpler. Tips for playing outdoors Below are some suggestions from Imaginarium’s family recreation experts to fully enjoy outdoor play. – It is important to protect children from ultraviolet rays with sunscreen in areas exposed to the sun. – Dress them in colored or bright clothing to easily identify them; Delimit a safe play area and not lose sight of them, without this implying bordering on overprotection, falling is part of the game. – Bring an extra change of clothes. Store everything in a back-pack style backpack, so you have your hands free and play with the children without neglecting their belongings. – Playing makes you hungry. A small snack consisting of sandwiches and fruit can become a fun picnic. Here it is worth mentioning that if you have girls, bring a tea set as a surprise and invite your dolls. – The sandbox is a wonderful experience. It allows children to discover textures and different sensations. In addition, it improves coordination when transferring sand from one bucket to another or to the construction cart. He also unleashes his imagination by cooking delicious sand cakes. – The competitions, from 2 years of age, are fascinating. Organize bicycle and tricycle races, games with water balloons and ball games. It is a perfect time to instill in them the sense of “it is more important to compete and enjoy than to win.” – Bring a magnifying glass and discover different types of leaves, flowers and bugs with the children. The ecological sense is not born in a special way instantaneous. As Jacques Cousteau would say “no one loves what they do not know and no one cares for what they do not love.” - Breathe. The best way to make contact with our emotions and offer a creative rather than reactive response to the different circumstances that arise is to breathe. After a difficult day, a green area is a respite for parents and children. – Outdoors means beach, forest and mountains. Now that the holidays are approaching, it is worth thinking about how to entertain them on the road. The challenge is to arrive without despair, to reduce the anxiety of the little ones about knowing when the destination will be reached, it is also good for the mental health of the rest of the family.