How jungle gyms can teach children more about themselves
It is always good for children to run and play outside. Not only is it fun, but it also has many health and wellbeing benefits. This is not to say that children should not play video games or watch television, but having a balance of the two can have an overall better outcome.
If you have a child who is always indoors, consider finding an entertaining source for them outside. So, why not invest in a jungle gym with a swing frame? This will allow them to have more fun things to choose from, and they can play outside in the comfort of their own home.
Having your child play outside can help them grow and become physically healthier; they are able to play with friends and learn how to be thoughtful around others. Kids who play outside, whether it is just running around, on a swing set or jungle gym, are also happier. And it is extremely important for children who are still learning and developing. But apart from those benefits, having a jungle gym can help them learn more about their bodies.
You can get a DIY jungle gym from a reputable wood supplier who can offer you exactly what your child needs. But if you still aren’t convinced, then read these tips below.
Children need to move around in order for them to grow
For children to grow physically, they need to exercise. Children overflow with energy, and that energy needs to be used the right way: through physical exercise. Having a jungle gym won’t only help with your child’s coordination, but it can also help prevent obesity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are many other benefits that come with exercising:
- Your child can build healthier muscles, bones and joints.
- Your child can also have a healthier heart.
- Your child can be more flexible.
- Your child can have a better posture and balance.
- It can help develop your brain.
They can learn how to overcome their fears
Many people have their own fears that might stem from their childhood or adulthood. But, fear should not have the power to stop you from doing what you love.
As a parent, you want your child to be fearless and do everything with a leap of faith. Although there are children who do that, there are some kids who are still afraid.
Having a jungle gym plan in your backyard can help your child conquer fear and gain confidence. For example, if your kid is afraid of heights, then a jungle gym can be a small step in overcoming that fear. While playing on the jungle gym and swinging from the monkey bars or swing, your child can learn to trust and be confident that they will be okay even when the swing is swinging high or when their feet aren’t touching the ground on the monkey bar.
If done repetitively, they can overcome those fears. Who knows, your child might be interested in thrill-seeking adventures because they’ve mastered the skill from a young age.
Helps children learn the value of friendship
Building good friendships is extremely important, and it has to be taught at a young age. When you have a jungle gym, you can invite their friends over and plan a playdate.
Creating the value of friendship from a young age can have several benefits for your child. It can teach them how to be a good person to others, communicate, share and trust others, as well as how to deal with different group settings. This will help your child understand what friendship is, how they should treat others, and what they don’t like from friendships.
Many children often don’t go out as much because of technology and for safety reasons. However, it is still important to enjoy life outside even if it in your backyard.
Learns more about their bodies
It’s important that children learn more about their bodies. Having a jungle gym in your backyard allows your children to climb, crawl and (sometimes) hurt themselves. This gives them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with how their body moves. This will help them learn how to maintain balance and coordination and how to take care of themselves.
Final thoughts
Having a jungle gym in your yard is one of the best things you can do for your young one. Not only will it be fun for them, but it will help them grow physically, emotionally and mentally.
This is not to say your child should never have some screen time. All you need to do is scale it down and have them play outside, even if your child enjoys watching tv, a few minutes with friends outside is all it will take for them to see the joys of being a kid, playing outside.