Trying to get children to play outside can sometimes be an exceptionally difficult task.
With the invention of computers and games consoles drawing children of all ages toward staring at the screen all day, parents will understand the difficulty in trying to turn these off.
With the summer vastly approaching, it is becoming increasingly important to get children out into the fresh air and sunshine and away from the computer screen.
There are several reasons to get children playing outside but physical exercise is usually considered the most important.
In today's society healthy eating and regular exercise are becoming very important issues.
With obesity rates continually increasing, it is important to encourage children from a young age to go outside to play.
This is due to the fact the toys children play with outside usually involve some sort of physical exercise.
Whilst children are out enjoying themselves, they are exercising without realising it.
There are a number of toys which encourage physical exercise such as Plum Trampolines, which have become incredibly popular with children of all ages.
Hours can be spent on a Plum Trampoline, jumping up and down as well as learning summersaults and tricks both individually and with friends.
This is great news for their bodies as it is continually burning calories as well as improving their overall fitness.
Another great reason to get children to play outside would be the amount of vitamin D they will receive in the sunshine.
Vitamin D is naturally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight and is essential for the development of healthy bones and teeth.
It is especially important for children to get enough Vitamin D as a deficiency could result in Rickets disease, which deforms bones and teeth.
It is a well known fact that calcium is important for the healthy bones in children however Vitamin D is vital to increase the absorption of calcium.
During the winter, children will not receive as much Vitamin D due to the UK weather conditions so it is important to make the most of any sunshine during the summer months.
When children play outside, they often play with toys and games involving more than one person.
For example playing with a Plum sandpit can be enjoy individually but is far more enjoyable when playing with another child.
Also playing on jungle gyms and swings usually involves more than one person and encourages children to invite friends or neighbours over to play with them.
This is essential for the development of their social skills and teaches them how to socially interact with others.
Whilst playing computer games, children are not receiving face-to-face interaction with other humans and therefore do not learn vital communication skills.
Another benefit of children playing outside would be the development of their personal skills and cognitive skills.
When children play outside they often use their imagination to create entertainment which helps their cognitive development.
Outdoor toys also present a new challenge in their set up.
They are often more complicated and require children learning how to put them together and take them apart.
This will develop skills such as motor skills, coordination and logical thinking.
Overall the amount of time children are spending outdoors is decreasing at an unhealthy rate so it is vital parents and carers actively try to encourage this behaviour.
With the aid of some well chosen outdoor toys, you can encourage children to get out and enjoy the sunshine once again this summer.