Remember when the glow of streetlights signalled the end of a day spent playing outside with friends?
Ah, those were the days!
While times may have felt safer and more geared toward outdoor living back then, prioritising outdoor play is just as essential for children’s long-term health and wellness today.
New research published in Acta Paediatrics supports the critical role of outdoor play in early childhood.
A study from Japan’s Kurashiki Medical Center examined whether outdoor play can help protect toddlers from childhood obesity.
The results are clear: children who regularly play outside during their preschool years are significantly less likely to develop obesity later on.
The study tracked 42,812 children born in Japan in 2001. At age 2.5, 91% of parents reported that their children engaged in some form of outdoor play. By age 7, the data revealed that children with consistent outdoor play had a 15% lower risk of being overweight or obese, even when adjusting for other factors. The researchers conclude that encouraging outdoor play from an early age can be a key preventive measure against childhood obesity.
How to encourage outdoor play
As Little Miss A approaches her toddler years, encouraging outdoor play is high on our agenda.
With J and I both having a background in sports, including triathlons, we are committed to fostering an active, outdoor lifestyle for Miss A.
So, with that in mind, here are some practical tips that parents can use to encourage outdoor play:
- Create a Safe Outdoor Space: Make sure your backyard or local park is safe and toddler-friendly with soft surfaces and age-appropriate equipment. A secure environment encourages freedom and exploration.
- Make Outdoor Play Fun: Introduce exciting activities like bike riding, walks to the park, or water play. Toys like balls, bubbles, or chalk can make outdoor time even more interactive.
- Join Them in Play: Toddlers often mimic adult behavior. Play alongside them by running, riding bikes, or drawing with chalk. Your engagement can spark their interest in outdoor activities.
- Invite Friends for Playdates: Social interactions make outdoor play more enjoyable. Organise playdates with friends or neighbours to encourage your child to spend more time outside.
- Set a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish outdoor play as a daily activity, even if it’s for short periods. J and I take Miss A on morning walks and go swimming in the afternoons to maintain her routine.
- Explore Nature: Parks, beaches, and nature reserves offer diverse environments for your toddler to explore, fostering curiosity and a connection with nature.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce indoor distractions by limiting screen time — in fact, we’re opting for the ‘no screen time’ approach! Encourage outdoor play as a healthy alternative when your child feels bored, frustrated and restless.
- Lead by Example: Children mimic what they see. J and I regularly engage in swimming, cycling, running, and pilates/yoga/strength and core exercises to model an active lifestyle for Miss A, aiming to instil healthy habits early.
By embracing outdoor play, you can help your toddler develop a love for movement and foster long-term health and well-being.
What are some other ways that can help instil health, active habits in kids early on? If you have any other tips, feel free to share! I’d love to hear from you.
x G.
Feature image: Photo by Polesie Toys.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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