New study shows that preschoolers need more time outdoors

A new study is reporting that preschool children are not getting enough supervised outdoor time with their parent(s).

The study looked at the play habits of 8950 preschoolers which represented approximately 4 million children.

The study found:

about half the preschoolers did not have even 1 parent-supervised outdoor play opportunity per day

Now, we know that many parents work and may be relying on the daycare center or preschool to provide the necessary supervised play time that children need.    Children may be getting enough outdoor playtime while at their caregivers' facility.

But what is important is the quality of the outdoor time.  If a child is playing in a sandbox sitting down for 20 minutes that is very low intensity activity.  Children need an hour a day of moderate intensity physical activity to promote overall good health and well-being.

Simple activities like a brisk walk after dinner, playing jump rope with your child or riding bikes together is a great way for the whole family to stay fit.

Here are some ideas to help you with ideas for outdoor activities that promote physical activity:

• relay races
• potato sack race
• tag
• skipping
• roller skating
• biking
• playing Frisbee
• jump rope
• soccer
• kickball
• catch

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