Benefits of outdoor play 'must not be forgotten'
17/01/2011 Children should be encouraged to enjoy outdoor play activities, perhaps with the purchase of trampolines for the garden, according to one youth worker from South Yorkshire.
Jan Breider, who helps lead play sessions with the Sheffield Wildlife Trust, believes parents should look for ways to get their little ones exercising outdoors and making the most of local facilities.
Speaking to the Sheffield Telegraph, she explained how in recent decades safety concerns had prevented youngsters from being allowed to play outside.
"I think it was in the 1980s there began to be so much fear around that people stopped letting their children out. They didn't go to the park or go and play in the woods as there was always a fear that something would happen," she said.
Ms Breider added that, while indoor play centres can be fun, parents should also take their children to parks and other places where they can feel the benefits of exercising outdoors.
Earlier this month, the Good Going blog urged parents to get involved in outdoor play activities with their children, describing garden trampolines as a "terrific way to jump into fitness".
Jan Breider, who helps lead play sessions with the Sheffield Wildlife Trust, believes parents should look for ways to get their little ones exercising outdoors and making the most of local facilities.
Speaking to the Sheffield Telegraph, she explained how in recent decades safety concerns had prevented youngsters from being allowed to play outside.
"I think it was in the 1980s there began to be so much fear around that people stopped letting their children out. They didn't go to the park or go and play in the woods as there was always a fear that something would happen," she said.
Ms Breider added that, while indoor play centres can be fun, parents should also take their children to parks and other places where they can feel the benefits of exercising outdoors.
Earlier this month, the Good Going blog urged parents to get involved in outdoor play activities with their children, describing garden trampolines as a "terrific way to jump into fitness".
