Going outdoors is child's play

WITH the lighter nights here and warmer weather on the horizon there is never a better time for parents to get outdoors and have fun with their toddlers.

Outdoor play is a vital source of physical, emotional and intellectual stimulus for children, whose brain growth is 75 per cent complete by the age of three. These early years are essential for developing children's sense of adventure, stimulating their imagination and establishing important social and interpersonal skills for life. When parents take their under-threes outside they're giving them the chance to experience an abundance of new sights and sounds they don't have access to indoors. 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!

There is a growing concern that our children are spending too much time indoors and recent reports have even highlighted that rickets could be on the rise as a result. What's more, in Scotland, we're also fighting a huge increase in childhood obesity. That's why it's critical that parents appreciate the benefits of children being healthy and active from day one.

In our evolving world, social and environmental factors have impacted on children's opportunities for outdoor play. Maybe it wasn't as difficult previously – most parents will recall stories of being given the freedom to go on an adventure all day – only to return when they were hungry. However, these kinds of tales are no longer.

But, enthusiastic parents can give them this opportunity by joining them for play in the great outdoors.

It doesn't have to be expensive either.

The open air is a free adventure just waiting to be explored. For ideas, visit www.playtalk read.com

Marguerite Hunter Blair is Chief Executive of Play Scotland