According to the study which surveyed 2,000 moms with children between the ages of 7 and 12; found that 59% of British women say they protecting their kids from ‘danger’ by letting them play indoors.
The survey also found that 82% of mother’s would rather spend time watching TV with their children during holidays rather than engage in outdoor activities.
"It is a dilemma that all parents face-wanting their children to grow up strong, confident and independent, but also wanting to keep them safe from harm," Enver Solomon of the National Children's Bureau was quoted by Daily Mail as saying.
"Starting from the very early days of infant hood, children both want and need to push their boundaries in order to learn about themselves and the world around them," Solomon adds.
Some parents however go as far as ‘banning’ their children from participating in activities such as tree climbing, riding a bike and even camping.
"Children would never learn to walk, climb stairs or ride a bike unless they were strongly motivated to respond to challenges," Solomon was quoted as saying.
"It is the critical life skills learnt through play that help children cope with the risks and challenges that they will face throughout life," Solomon adds. Playing in the mud is good for kids
The joy of childhood is always associated with playing, rolling or splashing in pools of mud. But today all parents prefer that their kids play indoors, because mud is considered dirty and an exposure to mud will lead to infections.
Dr. Keya Lahiri - Chief Pediatrician at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, contradicts the above statement. In a symposium organized by Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, she said, "Parents should allow their kids to play outdoors, splash in the mud - because mud is a part of the environment and it is actually good for health."
Difficult to believe? She lists down the reasons as to why exactly parents should allow their kids to play in the mud.
Good for the immune system
Due to over hygienic conditions, kids do not get much exposure to different bacteria; this weakens the immune system, which leads to asthma and other diseases. Whereas, early exposure to microbes present in the soil can help kids become stronger and disease-resistant.
It is good for the brain
Dr. Keya says, "stop spoiling your child's brain by giving them videogames or PSP's, instead allow them to play in the dirt, as this will help improve your child's cognitive function." Different bacteria found in the soil helps activate better functioning of the brain.
The feel 'GOOD' factor
Allowing your child to play in the mud can help him/her relax and calm down. The scent of the mud, the microbes present in the mud help lift your kid's mood, making him/her happy. Besides, when they play around in the mud with others, it makes them laugh and reduces the level of stress.
Care for nature
Many kids don't know the value of nature, because of less exposure. Allowing kids to play outdoors creates happy memories with nature and further, they learn to protect Mother Nature.
Mud is 'ART'
Don't shout at your kid because of hygienic conditions, when they make pots using mud. Let them mould it, using their creativity and ideas. It will help them develop the art of moulding and be creative adults.
0 comments:
Post a Comment