Here’s something really simple that families can do to improve their children’s chance of future health and success: make sure they spend plenty of time playing outside! In the Hudson Elementary Schools, our students have daily recess built into their days, to provide opportunities to develop important life skills.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are several benefits found in being outdoors:
1. Exercise. While children can be active indoors, playing outside with a ball, bike or sled encourages kids to get exercise and fresh air!
2. Creativity and Problem Solving. The unstructured feel of playing outside encourages creativity, with children making up their own games, figuring things out, and finding things to keep themselves busy.
3. Socialization. While structured settings, such as school or sports teams, have benefits, children need to learn how to work and play together on their own. Playing outside with friends provides plenty of opportunities for interaction.
Whether it’s sunny or snowy, there are lots of things for children to do outside. Find time for your kids to play in the snow – make a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. There are many adventures waiting for you when you just get outside and play!!
