How Does a Playground Promote Healthy Living?

Many may think of a playground as just a place for play; however, a playground is much more than that. It is a way to promote healthy living for children and even for adults who accompany the kids to the playground. When you see children playing and interacting at the playground, remember that they are building a healthier life style.

• Running, jumping and playing get children up and moving. This helps to build muscles, get their heart rates up and burn fat. With obesity such an issue these days, getting kids out to the playground is one way to counteract it. The children are breathing in fresh air instead of sitting in front of the TV and video games. 


• Builds social skills by interacting with others who are there. Children talk to one another, organize games and learn to communicate with their peers on the playground. Social skills and mental health are important for a healthy lifestyle. The way that children learn to work out differences and get along on the playground can help them all through life.


• Develops motor skills for small children. Toddlers learn to climb and maneuver on the equipment, which helps to build the motor skills that are still being developed.


• Brings families together and neighborhoods together. Often, neighborhood parents meet at playgrounds. This fosters community and social interaction, which can help children lead healthier lifestyles as they get older and enter the preteen and teen years. If you have fostered strong relationships in the community, your child will be less likely to try to get away with risky behavior, because of fear of getting caught. The child will be right to feel this way, since these people will feel comfortable coming to you with any risky behavior that your child is seen participating in.