The rapid advancement of technology has made children closely connected to smartphones, but interacting with nature offers numerous benefits. In fact, there's a special therapy for children focused on nature interaction called Ecotherapy. This therapy encourages children to engage in outdoor activities such as playing and exploring. But worry not, you don't necessarily need to take your child to a therapy session. You can motivate them to play in nature by simply taking them to the park every afternoon or going on nature trips.
According to a discussion with child psychologist Intan Erlita M.Psi at Zen Day in Nature, the following are the benefits of playing in the outdoors for children's growth and development.
Teaching Children Responsibility
Children can discover many new things while playing in the outdoors that they cannot find at home. These things teach children to weigh options and assess risks. For example, a child who is initially afraid to touch a fish will understand and no longer be afraid if he is taught that fish are not dangerous. Other activities, such as falling and being bitten by insects, teach children how to avoid such incidents in the future and to be responsible for themselves.
Reduce Stress In Child
Playing in nature will undoubtedly increase children's energy and reduce stress. Running, jumping, and climbing can also help your child's bones and muscles grow stronger and more flexible. One thing is certain: children who play are happier than children who spend time on their smartphones at home.
Development of Children's Creativity and Imagination
Children who play in nature are more capable of thinking creatively than children who spend the majority of their time at home. In the wild, children can use many natural media, such as wood, water, and so on, and use their imagination. This sure makes children more creative and cheerful than at home, which is limited by space and items that should not be touched.
Increase Children Social Skill
Children who spend a lot of time in nature, especially in groups, can improve their social skills. Children do not need to fight over toys or playgrounds in nature. Nature play can also help children avoid boredom at home.
However it may be, many parents must be concerned about their children playing outside. Starting with disease, dirty, and others. Actually, you don't need to be concerned since the child's body is already in the system adapting to nature; additionally, you don't need to be concerned about health due to dirty bacteria from the outside too. It is strongly advised that you use ZEN Antibacterial Shiso and Tea Tree soap. This family soap is ideal for children because of its antibacterial agent and Tea Tree ingredients, which are effective at treating itching and inflammation of the skin. This is especially important for children who spend a lot of time outside.
