Crisp mornings and falling leaves practically beg us to come outside and play.
Every parent who’s ever been cooped up indoors for a day or two with littles knows that kids need to spend time outdoors. Fall is the perfect time to explore all that KC has to offer.
Getting outside promotes healthy growth and development and benefits everyone’s well-being!
Physical Development
Only about one in four children get the daily recommended amount of physical activity. For kids under 6, three hours are recommended, while those over 6 should get at least one hour. That may sound like a lot, especially for the toddlers and preschoolers in your life, but going outside is an easy way to encourage activity without stress.
Wide open spaces, playgrounds and natural elements invite exploration and fun. Kids play harder outside than in. Jumping, climbing and testing their abilities improve their overall motor skills. Our bodies also need sunshine to produce Vitamin D, which promotes healthy bone growth and immune system development. Finally, tired kids sleep better than those who don’t get enough activity throughout the day.
Mental Health
“I need to get some fresh air” has serious science to back up what most of us naturally experience. Step outside and take a few deep breaths. Most of the time, you’ll feel an almost immediate sense of refreshment and calm. Time spent outdoors is linked to decreased anxiety, depression, anger and aggressive behaviors. It’s also associated with improved impulse control. Kids who spend time in nature feel more connected to their surroundings.
Brain Builder
Giving kids a chance to explore the outdoors gives their natural curiosity and creativity time to shine. Allowing kids to experiment and see what happens builds critical thinking skills. Time spent throwing rocks in the lake, climbing over boulders and going down the slide a million times creates connections in their brains that can lead to a lifelong love for learning.
Long-Term Benefits
Kids who spend more time outdoors reap the benefits their entire life. Long-term studies show links between the amount of time outdoors and physical activity with lower rates of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Adults who developed an affinity for nature as kids are less likely to develop anxiety, depression and other significant mental health concerns.
It’s not all about your kids either! The benefits of fresh air and sunshine aren’t limited just to them. Time spent together outdoors builds your connections with your kids’ sense of well-being too!
Fall in Kansas City provides ample opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Visit the pumpkin patches, check out a new hiking trail or head over to one of KC’s best parks. Have some fun and improve your health at the same time!
Joleen Sams lives with her family in Shawnee. She’s a family nurse practitioner who has always loved taking care of kids and their families.
References:
- HealthyChildren.org: “Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids”
- HealthyChildren.org: “Encouraging Your Child to be Physically Active”
- Jimenez, M. P., Deville, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., & James, P. (2021). “Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 no. 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790