Summer has arrived and that signals the time for more outdoor adventures as a family. Taking your children outdoors provides opportunities for exercise and learning and time to play and imagine, according to Barbara Dunn Swanson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes of unstructured free play each day as an essential part of children's physical and mental health and social development.
"Play protects children's emotional development as well," said Dunn Swanson, who specializes in family wellbeing. "When children lack free time to play, when they're always kept busy or being hurried to stay on schedule, they can become stressed and anxious. The stress and anxiety may even contribute to depression for some children."
Engaging in more outdoor play increases children's physical activity and reduces aggressiveness. Outdoor activities for the family could include biking, hiking, fishing or swimming. Going to a park and riding the swings or climbing the outdoor structures are other ways to build strength and healthy bones, Dunn Swanson said.
Although school is out for the summer, outdoor play can include learning. In particular, nature play can increase critical thinking skills.
"Discovering nature can help increase children's attention spans, improve their test scores and ultimately advance their learning," Dunn Swanson said.
"Spending time outdoors helps us appreciate our natural resources. We become aware of the responsibility to take care of the environment," Dunn Swanson said. "We can teach our children to respect living things and we can set an example for responsible wildlife viewing and nature collecting. As we see litter, we can do our part and pick it up and leave the places we visit better than we found them."
Dunn Swanson offered a few more hints for enjoying the outdoors. Practice safety and carry a first aid kit, a water bottle and insect repellent. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from sun damage, along with appropriate clothing for hikes in rain or shine.
For more research and resources about reconnecting children with nature, visit the Children & Nature Network. Learn more about the benefits of play from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
For educational programs and resources on parenting, visit the Human Sciences Extension and Outreach website or contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle