Although we generally don’t think of it in this way, your child’s life is made up of occupations in the form of everyday activities. A toddler’s occupations might be playing and learning; for an older child, they might be attending school and developing skills to become more independent. For the most part, we don’t give these daily occupations much thought until a child encounters challenges with the tasks. Helping children overcome these challenges is where occupational therapy comes in. Pediatric occupational therapy supports children of all ages—newborns to teenagers—by
incorporating the occupations that are important to you and your child into the intervention process, whether it is at school, at home, during rehabilitation, or at a medical facility (AOTA.org)
Or in our case... IN NATURE, TOO!
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Nature is a natural play space for children and offers countless benefits
Calmer Kids
•Nature sounds activate the auditory center of the brain, helping children to orient themselves to their place in space
•Spending time outdoors decreases anxiety, increases attention span, and improves self-regulation
Stronger and More Coordinated Kids
• Active free play outdoors stimulates all of the senses
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Vitamin D from sunlight strengths bones and muscles
• Children who play among trees, large rocks, and uneven terrain have better balance and agility
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Engaging in "risky" play benefits balance, strength and coordination
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Combats obesity and diabetes by engaging in physical activity
Socially and Emotionally Stronger Kids
• Provides a stimulating mental challenge to think of imaginative and creative play schemes
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Builds friendships through play
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Peer play happens more naturally in an outdoor setting than in any other setting
• Fosters independence and improves interpersonal skills
• Children learn patience, perseverance, and resilience
• Improved safety by having an increased awareness of abilities and risk taking