Did you know that your backyard (or just about any other outdoor location) is one of the most intellectually stimulating environments that you can spend time in with your toddler? There are things outside that encourage the development of toddlers in every way, and yet many toddlers spend very little time outdoors. Part of the reason for this is that toddlers must be closely supervised while they are outdoors because of their tendencies to put everything in their mouths and to climb whatever they can find to climb on.
Providing constant supervision takes time, and for busy parents it can be hard to fit it in with everything else that they have to do in a day. However, when you consider how important outdoor play time is for your toddler’s development, you may find that it is enough of a priority that you rework your daily schedules and routines to include at least an hour of time outdoors each day. The benefits that your toddler can receive from spending time outside include better health (thanks to fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunlight), an opportunity to safely and productively release some of their boundless energy, physical development, physical fitness, emotional well being, and intellectual development.
The benefits of time spent outdoors go far beyond the items that I just mentioned, too. When toddlers spend a lot of time outdoors, they develop a deep connection with the natural world. The awe and wonder that they experience as a child, seeing all of the beauty and variety in nature, can translate into a desire to take good care of the environment. Best of all, being outdoors provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with your toddler. Whether you are kicking a ball around in the grass, blowing dandelion seeds into the wind, or hiking on a trail you are building a strong bond with your toddler as well as increasing his understanding of the world around him.
Have you and your toddler been outside yet today?