Benefits of outdoor play for children

Do you ever think about to our own childhood and feel grateful for your time outside rather than stuck inside playing videogames? 

I often think back to the days where I spent most of my time outdoors, climbing trees and feeling the grass under my feet. As I entered parenthood (two years ago!), I knew I wanted to encourage my children to love the outdoors. This passion actually started when I studied Early Childhood Studies at University and completed my dissertation on 'Risky Play Outdoors', and the findings were fascinating. 

So why play outdoors?

Firstly, outdoor play greatly improves children's physical abilities. The balancing and navigating on less even and more challenging grounds, such as rocks and hills, allows children to use different muscles compared to walking on flat surfaces inside.

One main difference between indoor and outdoor play is the lack of toys that the outdoors has. Many indoors toys have a limited amount of ways that they can be played with. For example, there's only so much a child can do with a plastic toy truck. Whereas the items they find outdoors in nature, such as twigs and giant leaves, can be used for so many things. This allows children to use and develop their imagination, language skills and creativity.  

Another benefit (which is important to me as a parent!) is the improved sleep. When children are exposed to natural light, also combined with the increased amount physical activity, it can improve their quality and length of sleep 

How can we support children's play?

The number one way to support play outdoors is to not rush their play. Children are learning even when it's not obvious to us. Extend their learning by asking them open ended questions and use phrases such as "I wonder...". For example, "I wonder where spiders live". This sparks curiosity in their little minds, encouraging them to explore in all kinds of different areas. 

Allow your children to reach their full potential on their outdoor adventures with our comfortable, good-quality clothing. Our sweatshirts will keep your little ones cosy as they explore and they also wash wonderfully!

Our coats are thick enough to allow children to move how they wish, whilst still keeping them warm.