Manifesto highlights importance of outdoor play activities
30/06/2010 Outdoor play activities should still be seen as an important part of children's lives due to their many benefits, it has been claimed.
Parents were warned that in a single generation the amount of time kids spend on outdoor play activities has reduced dramatically and there is now a danger that children spend far too much time indoors.
Irene Gunning, chief executive of the Irish Preschool Playgroup Association, explained: "Children thrive on the kinds of challenges that naturally occur when playing outside. We can't bubblewrap them – otherwise they can't learn and figure out things for themselves."
Ms Gunning said that adults should not ignore the dangers which are presented during outdoor play activities; however it is important to weigh up the risks sensibly and make decisions accordingly.
The organisation is currently preparing to launch its Play Manifesto which aims to promote the positive impact that outdoor play activities have on a child's physical and emotional well being, stating that the "consequences of getting it wrong and depriving our children of play are immeasurable".
Parents were warned that in a single generation the amount of time kids spend on outdoor play activities has reduced dramatically and there is now a danger that children spend far too much time indoors.
Irene Gunning, chief executive of the Irish Preschool Playgroup Association, explained: "Children thrive on the kinds of challenges that naturally occur when playing outside. We can't bubblewrap them – otherwise they can't learn and figure out things for themselves."
Ms Gunning said that adults should not ignore the dangers which are presented during outdoor play activities; however it is important to weigh up the risks sensibly and make decisions accordingly.
The organisation is currently preparing to launch its Play Manifesto which aims to promote the positive impact that outdoor play activities have on a child's physical and emotional well being, stating that the "consequences of getting it wrong and depriving our children of play are immeasurable".
