How Outdoor Play Can Help Regulate Behavioural Issues in Children

Behavioural issues are not uncommon in today’s children. According to the CDC, 11% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety, 8% have been diagnosed with behavior disorders, and 4% have been diagnosed with depression. A 2024 study reveals that outdoor play can help children overcome disorders, but many children simply aren’t getting the physical activity they require.

This article will review how outdoor play helps children manage behavioural issues and what you can do to get your child outside more often.

What the Study Reveals

According to the study, outdoor play is essential for physical development, cognitive functioning, social skills, and emotional well-being. Children who play outdoors regularly experience lower fatigue and anxiety and better sleep. They also exert more control over their behaviour, leading to improved attention control.

Various studies have revealed that exercise boosts circulation and promotes improved cognitive function. It also releases serotonin, improving mood. These well-known facts establish a further connection between mental well-being and outdoor play.

However, other statistics show outdoor play is less common in modern families. According to Horizon Health News, 65% of parents say they played outside when they were young, but only 30% of their children do. Screen time is taking its toll, exacerbating mental health issues.

Possible Solutions

So, what can parents do to encourage their children to go outside and engage in physical activity? Here are a few solutions.

·  Limit Screen Time: If screen time impacts your child’s desire to go outside, establish daily and weekly limits. If children resist the imposed schedule, consider setting parental controls.

·  Encourage Regularity: Screen time rules will be even easier for your child to follow if you establish a schedule that sets aside blocks for indoor activities and outdoor play. This type of regularity will turn consistent outdoor time into a healthy habit they look forward to.

·  Engage Your Child in Outdoor Activities: In some instances, the only way to get a child outdoors is to go with them. Determine activities you can engage with your child, such as nature walks and scavenger hunts.

·  Enroll Your Child in Outdoor Programs: You may consider enrolling your child in an outdoor program such as soccer or a similar sport. Summer camps and after-school programs may also get your child outdoors.

·  Outdoor Play Equipment: Your child will be more likely to go outside if they have something fun to do. Outdoor play equipment helps. Swing sets, trampolines, and ride-on cars motivate your child to leave the house and enjoy the environment.

Little Tacker Toys is a Recommended Source for Outdoor Play Equipment

Outdoor play equipment may get your child out of the house and help them improve their mental and behavioural health, but quality equipment matters. That’s where Little Tacker Toys comes in. We carry products suited to various interests and age groups. Our company prioritizes durability, ensuring a safe play experience.

Contact us when you're ready to create an outdoor haven that boosts your child’s emotional well-being.