Do you remember playing in the “great outdoors” as a kid? It was always fun to be outside with friends, whether talking, cycling, walking or playing games and sports. Then, as time ran out or dusk fell, you knew it was time to go home for supper or get ready for bed. Or, perhaps your parents had to come and get you, because you were having so much fun outside that you lost track of time. For a wide range of reasons, today’s children are simply not experiencing as much active, play time as their parents did. In fact, a new term is used to describe this trend; it’s called nature deficit disorder (Richard Louv, 2008). Care.com shares why it’s important for children to play outside:

Improves Vision – A study reported by Optometry and Vision Science found that children who spend time outside have better distance vision than those who primarily play indoors.

Promotes Social Skills – Getting kids outside and having unstructured play promotes a wide range of skills. On a playground not everyone gets to go down the slide first. Going to a playground with your kids is not just about running around and being active, but it’s also about learning social skills, executive functions, problem solving and behavioral skills as well through play.

Increases Attention Span – Children who play outside have a higher attention span comparatively speaking, and are much more self-directed (they want to investigate things), where other kids might just sit back. Studies have also shown that green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Exposure to natural settings through after-school and weekend activities may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children.

Reduces Stress – When it comes to stress, try to rely on natural remedies. Spending time outside playing is such a huge outlet for stress. It’s relaxing; it is healing.” There is even research showing that seeing green spaces can help decrease kids’ stress levels.

Provides Vitamin D – According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lots of kids are suffering from vitamin D deficiencies. This vitamin has several health benefits, including preventing kids from future bone problems, diabetes and even heart disease. Vitamin D can be received by supplement, but you can also get it through its free and natural version: sunlight. Have your kids play outside for a few minutes without sun screen (which blocks cancer-causing rays, but also vitamin D). Then slather on the lotion. Of course, if your child burns easily, use the sunscreen and increase the vitamin D-heavy foods and supplements.

Outdoor play also gives kids a chance to burn off energy; can be calming and allow kids to

“recharge” their energy levels; helps kids learn to interact with and understand the natural world; helps to develop their powers of observation and their assessment of risk; offers more opportunities for creativity and free play; and helps to build a strong link between physical health and outdoor play, at a young age.

To increase outdoor activities, try some of these other tips:

“Buddy up” with other families and take turns bringing a group of kids to a park, sports field, or green space. Set clear boundaries and allow the kids to move freely and play throughout the areas.

Provide older kids with a family cell phone to take outside with them as they bike or skate around the neighborhood or at the skate park. Be clear that the phone is for emergencies only and not for “socializing” with friends.

Backyards can be full of adventure for younger children. Consider having a sandbox, water table or other toys and play stations. Create small natural spaces or areas where kids can build forts and create their own play space.

Allow your kids to plant a garden in raised beds or planter boxes. Have your kids make all the choices and do the work; from seeding through harvest (www.healthyalberta.com).

At the lake where we live, this last weekend was a great example of kids playing outside; they were swimming, tubing on the water, running in yards with flashlights, and just being kids. Allow your children to have the great opportunities that we all did as kids.

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Sue Junge is an early childhood support specialist for the Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area and is a Thursday columnist for the Times-Republican. The views expressed in this column are personal views of the writer and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the T-R. For more information, visit www.iowarivervalleyeca.com