In order to insure your child's physical and mental health, more time outside is required.

It's not just adults spending more time inside, this current generation of children compared to the last has changed at an alarming rate. Children spend most of their time indoors. This is in part due to advancements in technology and children's interactions with them.

Not only that, but the climate has changed and there are a lot of concerns about exposure to extreme cold and extreme heat. Let's not forget to mention the safety of children today. A lack of trust in society and a lack of safe places have an effect as well.

In order to ensure your child's physical and mental health, more time outside is recommended. Here's something really simple you can do to improve your child's chance of future health and success: make sure he spends plenty of time playing outside.

Playing A Team Sport Can Only Benefit A Child's Mental Health

There is an old saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Basically, as long as you are geared up for it, go outside! Now, certainly, we know that if it's a repeat Polar Vortex/ Deep Freeze like we saw in 2019, we keep everyone in, especially kids due to their fragile skin and frostbite issues. But cold, in general, isn't the end of the world if they are dressed appropriately for most children.

Children with medical issues and/or immune deficiency need to be more cautious. However, children with healthy immune systems can build their immunity by being in the cold. According to Penn Med cold helps to stimulate the immune system while systematically protecting your child from illness.

There is so much a child can gain from being outside in different elements, they just need their parents' help and permission to do so. Outdoor play gives way to so many new experiences. It helps with mental and physical growth.

There is so much fun to be had and so many learning experiences as well. Let them play!

No, nobody wants to clean up after their kids jump in muddy puddles, but it doesn't happen every day, and as long as they have rain gear on, cleaning up isn't so bad. Dressing kids for snow can also be a daunting task; develop a system. See what works for you, and set up times and limits with your child.

"Yes, you can go outside, but it's cold and gets dark early, so we will only be outside for two hours." Or whatever time you feel works for your family. It's not about dumping all of your responsibilities. It's about making it work for everyone.

According to the CDC family rules help create structure. A family rule is a specific, clear statement about the behaviors you expect from your child. Rules work best when there is consistency, predictability, and follow-through.

The sun isn't so bad in small amounts and with proper protection. Our bodies actually need the sun. I know, skin cancer, but nobody is saying to have your kids bake all day in it. Sun is what helps our bodies make vitamin D.

If you have ever been low on vitamin D, you know the benefits of it now.

If you haven't, vitamin D plays a vital role in our mental health, bone health, and development, immune system support, and sleep, to name a few. Getting sunshine every day helps all bodies to work better, especially little bodies.

At a minimum children should be active for an hour a day. Again, that is a minimum. Children are usually capable of a lot more than that. Going outside helps to accomplish this as there is a lot of running room and different things to do.

They can practice a sport, ride a bike, and so much more. Depending on the season, it always changes too. Active play is one of the best forms of exercise for a child.

This is not talked about nearly enough. Executive function is so important, as parents, we should try to foster this from birth. Any kind of skill, multitasking, planning, problem-solving, seeing others' perspectives, being creative, all executive functions. When you give your child steps like, first, next, and last, they use executive function to follow those steps. Building on those skills is a crucial part of development.

One of the best ways to encourage this is to just let them play. They go out and play make-believe, they come up with their own ideas and solve their own problems. Being outside gives them a great opportunity to practice these skills.

According to Taylor & Francis, outdoor play lets children engage and point out the complex nature of playground design. It also lets children plan for the predictable, and at the same time opens up for the unpredictable, which is important.

Children need to make mistakes. They need to take chances. They need to learn they can do things on their own. This builds self-esteem and helps them know right from wrong. It certainly puts parents in an uncomfortable spot though.

Nobody wants to see their child get hurt, but getting hurt is sometimes how we all learn. If at first, we don't succeed, try, try, again. They will never know what is safe and what isn't if they are not taught or shown.

Naeyc says toddlers are all about challenging themselves to do new and difficult things—pet a dog, climb some stairs, venture a little farther away from a caregiver, and then return. Playing outside provides opportunities to run faster, climb higher, jump farther, and more—all under the watchful eye of a caring adult.

If you take your child to a park or have other kids in your neighborhood, this is a good opportunity for your child to socialize and make friends. Not like at school, this is play. They learn to share, work together, and be aware of their feelings as well as others. In an everyday setting with everyday interaction, they learn skills they don't necessarily learn in school or structured settings.

Sources: Taylor & Francis Online, Naeyc, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, CDC, Penn Med

I am the mother of four boys. They were all born very premature. Two singletons and twins. I am very passionate about raising awareness for prematurity and mother's mental health. One of my sons has special needs as well. I have seen a different kind of motherhood than most, but very much enjoy writing articles to help parents of all kinds.