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Because of the health benefits that come from active play, more parents are encouraging their children to go outdoors, outfitting them in sturdy clothing that can withstand endless hours on the playground. Because children tend to outgrow or wear out play clothes easily, parents are also practicing economy by buying the best clothes online and using coupons that allow them special discounts, like Play Outdoors coupon codes.
These parents know that kids and the outdoors is a match made in heaven. Children are meant to run free, climbing trees and building forts and flying kites. But advancing technology and environmental degradation have slowly caused the number of children playing outside to drop dramatically. And these aren't just the number of children going on fancy nature trips - statistics show that there are less children riding bikes or walking to school, playing in the yard with the neighborhood kids, or playing outdoor sports now than ever before.
This has led to growing concern about children's health. Studies show that childhood obesity is on the rise, as well as related health problems such as stress, lowered self-esteem, and even depression. Can you even imagine a depressed seven-year-old?
Unfortunately, it's true. Physical activity is a natural and essential outlet for children, and now that kids are spending an average of 6.5 hours every day indoors with television, computers and video games, they're just not getting enough of it.
According to a study by Nelson, Carpenter, & Chiasson completed in 2006, exercise or the lack thereof is the main predictor for excess weight once genetic factors are excluded. Further strengthening the argument for children to be allowed to play outdoors is information on the US Fish and Wildlife site, which state that children who have been allowed to interact with nature have better overall health - emotional, physical, and mental.
It's now up to parents to get their kids active, which can be a challenge. Experts recommend that parents seeking to introduce their children to the outdoors find activities that they can do together, like taking long walks or going biking or fishing, and then as they begin to enjoy it, introduce them to peers with whom they can pursue the activity.
If you feel that your child might become resistant to this change, get him or her involved in planning. Let him choose a backpack and shoes for hiking, or let her pick out outfits online to wear on nature walks. These items won't cost you as much if you make use of Play Outdoors coupon codes to avail or discounted prices, and the activity of shopping plus the new gear may just be the push your child needs to get outdoors and get healthy.
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