Playtime is over as cautious parents are keeping kids indoors - with alarming alternative
Despite 71% knowing that kids prefer to be tearing around outside, 41% of parents confess to taking their eye off the ball and relying on video games and smartphones
Parents are being urged to unleash their inner child and go back to basics this summer, as it is revealed that one in five adults lack the confidence to let loose and play outside with their children.
Halfway through the school holidays and with the sun well and truly shining, new research from Sudocrem of 2,000 adult parents reveals that almost half (44%) of mums and dads with children 5-11 years old struggle to come up with outdoor play ideas and almost a third (30%) worry that their little ones will suffer an injury when exploring the great outdoors.
Despite 71% knowing that kids prefer to be tearing around outside, 41% of parents confess to taking their eye off the ball and relying on video games and smartphones (27%) to keep their youngsters occupied.
The average British child is soaking up just two-and-a-half hours of fresh air – less than the three hours spent online.
Now Edutuber and Bafta-winning TV presenter Maddie Moate has been enlisted by Sudocrem, which commissioned the research, to help adults break out of their comfort zone and rediscover the simple, accessible and free joy of getting outside and having fun.
Maddie’s tips include going back to your own childhood games, digging out forgotten favourites like sandpits and kites, creating a treasure hunt – or if you’re really stuck for ideas – just copy the kids!
While ‘Come and play with me’ is wailed three times a day in the average household, over half of parents (53%) say they just don’t have the time and almost a third (32%) say they lack the energy or motivation while 13% say they are too shy to run around like a child.
Almost a quarter (24%) of the 2,000 adults polled said they engage in less than an hour of outdoor play a day while 2% said they never play outside, despite 30% wishing they could.
Yet these parents aren’t ignorant to the benefits of being outdoors; 93% agreed that it was crucial for their child’s development and 90% agreed that playing out together can strengthen the parent-child bond while 70% recognised the health benefits of exercise. Over half (54%) agreed that getting outside, whatever the weather, was a great mood booster.
Maddie. whose YouTube channel has had over 80 million views, said: “Outdoor play is so important when it comes to cognitive and physical development for our children and the research from Sudocrem shows that as parents we know how important this is, with 93% agreeing it’s great for their kids.
“But getting outdoors and playing with your kids can be challenging especially when it comes to finding new things to do to keep them entertained. The great news is that the outdoors presents so many different ways to have fun and engage with your kids, creating lots of opportunities to bond and learn.
“Indoor distractions like video games can be hard to compete with over the summer holidays but I’ve teamed up with Sudocrem to share my top tips for getting outdoors and playing as a family this summer, helping parents and kids tap into their inner child.”
MADDIE’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR PLAY THIS SUMMER
1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BRING OUT YOUR INNER CHILD
Unleash your silly and spontaneous side or reminisce on your favourite ways to play from childhood and introduce these to your child. They’ll love seeing you join in the fun.
2. FIND NEW FORMS OF OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Activities like playing in a sandpit. Skipping or flying a kite can provide hours of fun or create a nature treasure hunt to keep your kids occupied outdoors.
3. LET YOUR CHILD LEAD THE WAY
If you don’t know what to do or how to play, ask your child to show you and let them set the pace. You might be surprised by how much fun you’ll have under their guidance.
4. BRING PLAY INTO YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE
For parents who struggle to find time for outdoor play with their children, why not try incorporating this into daily activities such as spotting plants and animals on the walk to school. Daily tasks can be playful when you approach them with a fresh mindset.
5. BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING
Always having sun cream, hats, wellies etc. on hand so you can enjoy outdoor play despite Britain’s unpredictable weather. And of course, you can be prepared with My Little Sudocrem - perfect for soothing skin on-the-go so nothing stands in the way of outdoor fun.
For families that don’t want to let irritated skin get in the way of playing outdoors, My Little Sudocrem is the perfect handy sized product to have in your bag. Clinically proven to soothe and protect even the most delicate skin, its compact size means parents can be prepared for any on-the-go skin irritations, whether that’s in the park, on the playground, or on a bike ride. For more information, please visit: https://www.sudocrem.co.uk/
