I was listening the other day, or eavesdropping ;) to two children talking about the playground with their mother. I was sitting on a train and the children were asking their parents "Can we go to the new playground Mum?" The mother unfortunately said, sorry I am a little busy this weekend. The children about age 10 said, but Mum it is just down the next block.
It made me think that when I was about 10 or less my parents used to yell at me 'Get outside'. We were never seen, except told to come back when the street lights came on. They never worried. The big world was our freedom. Is our world that scary now that we can't teach our children safety and that we need to go with them all the time?
Are our lives so busy that we can't spare a few hours showing them the way, teaching them, training them what to do. Letting go of the apron strings?
Disturbingly, a
new study has found that almost half of school aged children don't play
outside each day. Furthermore, the children in the study were found to be
sedentary 80% of the time.
That their parents did not agree with letting them go when they got home from school as they could not watch them.
Chair:- Zerkalo Chair Swing (New) @ The Wayward Carnival
Why does this matter? Quite simply, outdoor play
is good for children.
The benefits of outdoor play are well
documented, and include:
- increasing physical activity
- increasing the body's vitamin D levels
- reducing anxiety and improving mood
- improving concentration and focus
- enhancing imaginative and creative play
- promoting problem solving and leadership skills
- growing the next generation of stewards for the earth
- developing stronger immune systems
Less time spent playing outdoors is linked to:
- obesity
- type II diabetes and high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- anxiety disorders and depression
- attention deficit disorder
There has never been a more important time for parents and educators to
make outdoor play a priority for the children in their lives. It is one of the
best things that we can do for their health, education and
well-being. What ever happened to creativity, imaginary ideas and thoughts? -i.e.: Play time. Food for thought - Are we so focused on our busy lives that we can't give our children time to play and pretend. What will happen to creativity in the future if our children do not learn this art.
The beautiful new chair in the photo above is a creation by Zerkalo for the Wayward Carnival,
So what are you waiting for, come take a walk to our destination for today:
Destinations: - The Wayward Carnival
Chair:- Zerkalo Chair Swing (New) @ The Wayward Carnival
