There are many reasons why children of all ages should play on their own terms, and playing in the fresh air is particularly important. Unfortunately, parents often find reasons to keep smaller children in particular, who need supervision, indoors in front of the television, because they are concerned about their children's safety.

 

Even in bad weather, children need to spend time outdoors. They usually don't mind and even enjoy it, it's usually the parents who shy away from the weather and therefore prefer to stay indoors. However, it is also important for children's experience and health that they spend at least half an hour to an hour outdoors even in rainy weather.

Children of all ages learn through play. Learning is based on the quality of early experiences. The older the child gets, the more complex the learning experience becomes, but it remains just as important. Even with toddlers, it is important to give them time to roll, crawl and explore on the floor at their own pace.

Fresh air and exercise makes children more resilient and ensures healthier growth. Outdoor play should be allowed in almost any weather, as long as children are adequately protected against cold, damp or excessive sunlight. Unfortunately, the fear of getting into trouble if their clothes get dirty holds many children back. For carefree play, children should wear clothes that don't get stained.

Playing helps to develop motor skills and the mind. This includes playful fights as well as playing with dolls or cars. Children need the opportunity to create a fantasy world and to live it out and share it with other children.

Games that require a lot of movement use up the children's seemingly inexhaustible energy and reduce bullying among the children. Unstructured games that the children invent themselves produce adventure and teach the children to weigh up dangers. If children's play is too much directed by adults, the children's learning experience is reduced. Within an appropriate framework, children must work out their own games and learn to resolve their conflicts with each other after learning certain principles. This does not mean that the supervisor should ignore any disputes. Adults should intervene to find a solution and then let the children work on the solution. Bullying and physical violence between children must be prevented at all costs unless it is part of friendly play.

Extracurricular sports lessons are a good way to show children ways of playing together that they can then use in their free time.