“You cannot go outside. It’s cold. You’ll get sick!” This is the most common thing children hear during winter. “Outdoor winter play has long been blamed for colds and the flu…..Although going outside unprepared for the elements is unwise, viruses that are spread by other human beings and cause colds and the flu are indoor.” (Dodds, 2017) Playing outdoors is not just for fun and gross motor activity. It has several other benefits, like reduced risk of myopia (nearsightedness), improved learning outcomes, increased positive behavior and better mental health. (Glassy, n.d.) According to the article by Anne Dodd, a Child Care Health Consultant, the some of the benefits of winter outdoor plays are as follows:
1. Breathe fresh air
Though we tend to blame cold winter air for colds and flu, the indoor air, which is full of bacteria, dirt, dander, and other germs, that is recycled through the air vent over and over, is the main culprit for it. The more children are indoor, the more they are exposed to it. In fresh, outdoor air, children do not have to rebreathe the germs of the group, and the chance for spreading infection is reduced.
2. Strengthen immune system
If we dress up our children properly for the weather, outdoor play can help not just the healthy ones but also the sick kids. It gives them an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. The more we are outside, the stronger is our autoimmune system and resistance to allergies. Studies have shown that children in rural areas or those who are active outside have the best overall health.
3. Engage in physical exercise
The California Childcare Health Program states outdoor play during winter “gives children an opportunity for a change of environment, a balance in play and routine, and large muscle activities (gross-motor development).” Children are still growing during the winter months. Extended time of inactivity is not conducive to their muscular development. Physical activity gives your immune system a power surge for a full 24 hours. A stronger immune system leads to less illness and less use of antibiotics.
4. Stimulate the imagination
The natural environment that children can find outdoors during winter months provide a lot of ways to stimulate children’s imagination through play. If they like building, they can build snow forts with tunnels, or snowman. If they like exploring and you have access to a park, you can go for a wildlife hike and look for birds and other animals. Something as simple as building a silly snowman utilizes problem solving and imaginative skills that a children would not be using while sitting on the couch.
Here is a short film from TakeMeOutsideCanada that you might enjoy watching:
https://youtu.be/zETiLGjm8xM
So, bundle up the children in layers and let them play outside during winter to make them stronger and healthier.
References
Dodds, A. (2017, January). Cold Weather Outdoor Play Boosts Immune System! 5.
Glassy, D. (n.d.). Playing Outside: Why It's Important for Kids. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx
