Outdoor play activities 'aid physical and emotional development'
12/04/2010 Involving young children in outdoor play activities is essential for both their physical and emotional development, according to one expert.
Writing for the Scotsman, chief executive of Play Scotland Marguerite Hunter Blair said that as the nights get lighter and the weather gets warmer, more parents should be encouraging their children to head outdoors.
Ms Hunter Blair explained that changing social and environment factors mean that children are getting less opportunities to take part in outdoor play activities.
"Many play experiences can only happen outdoors, where children can experience the elements first hand and have the space and the permission to get active, loud, messy and adventurous," she added.
Outdoor play activities were said to be particularly important for young children, especially those under the age of three.
Advice blog Housework24.com recently recommended creating a dedicated space for outdoor play activities. It explained that this would encourage children to be more active without making any major changes to their daily routines.

Writing for the Scotsman, chief executive of Play Scotland Marguerite Hunter Blair said that as the nights get lighter and the weather gets warmer, more parents should be encouraging their children to head outdoors.
Ms Hunter Blair explained that changing social and environment factors mean that children are getting less opportunities to take part in outdoor play activities.
"Many play experiences can only happen outdoors, where children can experience the elements first hand and have the space and the permission to get active, loud, messy and adventurous," she added.
Outdoor play activities were said to be particularly important for young children, especially those under the age of three.
Advice blog Housework24.com recently recommended creating a dedicated space for outdoor play activities. It explained that this would encourage children to be more active without making any major changes to their daily routines.



