Nowadays it’s not a common practice seeing our children in streets or in outdoor activities. They are the oldest play places for children where they can play some interesting plays and games. However this has become rare as children now days are spending more time on computer and in front of television. Insecure or unsafe environment and stranger danger prevents parents to send their children outside the home, and prefer their kids to stay home in front of their eyes. Some experts think that this kind of over sanitized approach is increasing health hazards in children e.g. obesity. Parents should protect their children and try to make outdoor play safe by teaching children about road safety and stranger danger.

The fun of outdoor play

Other than being out in fresh air, one of the major benefits of outdoor play is that children are free from parental and adult constraints. They feel free and relaxed and learn on their own. This gives them confidence and they are able to develop the ability of decision making and solving problems on their own. This also helps them to become more socially mature and develop skills of social engagement.

How parents can encourage their kids to play outside

Parents can encourage their children for safe outdoor play by:

• Allowing them to play outside at least once a day even if there is a bad weather. Children should experience all kinds of weather, just dress them appropriately.
• Teaching your children road safety skills and helping them to become street wise and get to know people.
• Telling your child stranger danger and teaching them how to deal in emergency situations.