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We’ve teamed up with behaviour specialists to advise on children’s winter wellbeing! Dark days can drastically effect children’s emotional health according to experts, so we have provided four ways to get children playing outdoors this winter.
Rhiannon Mountain, head of outdoor learning at Kids Planet, explains “The lack of daylight the autumn and winter brings can impact overall mood and motivation for children, in the same way it does for adults. Not to mention the impact on sleep. Despite this, autumn and winter can actually be some of the best times of the year to get outdoors and play.”
Kids Planet recently conducted a nationwide study, The Outdoor Learning Report, on parents of children aged 0-5 years old, which found almost two thirds (64%) said spending time outdoors is vital for improving their children’s wellbeing.
The survey investigated how often children are learning from outdoor play across the country, how it effects their mood, and from which types of activities.
In light of this, Kids Planet spoke with behaviour specialist Simbrashe Shamu to understand ways that parents can support their young children through winter. Simbrashe said “Darker nights and mornings mean that children have fewer opportunities for activity across the 24-hour period, which could negatively impact their wellbeing. This can also negatively impact children’s social-emotional, cognitive and physical health outcomes. It is therefore important to maximise opportunities for children to get outside when the days are light.”
The experts have provided four tips to improve children’s wellbeing this winter:
To encourage children to spend time outdoors during the cooler months, Simbrashe recommends regular praise and positive reassurance “As a parent, the more you provide the descriptive praise, attention and engagement that your child seeks when outside, the more likely you are to increase outside time.”
Simrashe says about children’s wellbeing in winter “Consider setting a limit on competing contingencies such as video games and social media.”
Rhiannon adds “Time in nature during daylight hours develops a healthy immune system and increases concentration. It is a natural source of mood boosters too creating a more meaningful play time in contrast to technology use.”
Rhiannon says “No matter the weather, the right clothing will ensure children can benefit from the positive effects of outdoor play all year round. Layers are key, as you can always take them off and adjust. We lose most of our heat through our heads so nice warm hats are essential and footwear such as walking boots or wellies with thick socks will keep feet dry and warm.”
Rhiannon explains “Embrace the season you’re in and look for the magic of changing colours and different experiences that ignite the senses. Wildlife counting can be an engaging outdoor activity that educates young children on their surroundings and what’s hiding under rocks and bushes that they don’t usually notice. Try leaving some bird feed out to encourage more wildlife when it’s cold.”
The survey also showed that more than half (51%) of parents believe outdoor learning is beneficial for enhancing social skills, a key competency for children entering primary school to help them make friends.
Outdoor activities and nature-based play in all weather is embraced at Kids Planet, where over 40 nurseries have achieved its natured based approach ‘Udeskole’. Getting outdoors encourages children to collaborate, communicate, and build relationships, which are essential for social development and to maintain general overall happiness in young ones despite the darker days.
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