Millennials are different from the previous generation, which was born with more raw and organic surroundings. The millennial kids are all engrossed by technology from the moment they are born.
It has not only changed the mindset of the new generation from the previous one but has also brought major changes in their upbringing.
The outdoor play was an essential part of childhood memories of the kids. But now that precious memory is getting swapped by television characters, PS3 heroes and computer games scores on the latest phone.
Technology is engulfing the laughter filled playgrounds, the physical and mental health of children, and their socializing skills. And it’s an alarming situation!
We need to bring back lost laughter, thumping sound of running children, and joyful conversations back to our playground, and here is why:
Physical Activities and Exercise:
Physical activities are essential for everyone irrespective of age and gender. Obviously, kids can’t go to the gym or follow strict exercise routines to remain fit. The time they spend in playgrounds while playing, taking swings, and hanging on the monkey bar is their exercise.
They run and stretch while playing, which help in their healthy physical growth, strong muscle building, and strengthen bones.
All this physical well-being doesn’t come through pretend play of video games but through actual physical play.
Socializing Skills:
Children would not always remain in their room, surrounded by virtual game characters. They will have to step out, interact with other people, and deal with the social settings to live their life.
If we do not teach them to socialize and deal with people in their childhood, then they will become socially awkward in their grown-up age.
Playing outside with other children helps them to come out of their bubble, and develop socializing skills. They learn how to share, how to cooperate, how to make relationships, and how to select the best-suited person to make a relationship – and this all is essential to have a successful social life.
Attention Span:
Researches have shown that children who have little outdoor exposure are more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Children who spend more time to play outdoor stick to an activity for a longer period because most of the time they do activities in a group. It increases their tolerance, patience, and desire to stick to a thing.
Children who stick to indoor play have little exposure to activities and are involved in self-directed activities. It makes them less curious, and more reluctant to perform an activity for a long time.
Risk Exposure:
You will not remain with your children forever. One day they will have to step out and face the harsh world. If you do not teach them to face the world from the beginning, things will be difficult for them later.
Playing outdoor might put your child at risk of getting injured, but that injury is essential for him to learn to face bigger challenges and failures of life.
And that is what outdoor activities teach children: the courage to take risks!
Conclusion:
In this technology-driven memory, where are the old childhood games of the ring around the roses, tree climbing, and soccer?
We need to bring back all these outdoor games in childhood memories of our children. No – not because we want to add some extra colors to their memory, but to make their life happier, healthier, and more productive.
