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Journalism of Courage
MS Dhoni is celebrated for his pearls of wisdom, both on and off the field. In keeping with this, the wicketkeeper-batsman has often stressed how playing a game teaches one a lot about life and values. In one interview with NDTV, he spoke about the need for children to put their phones aside and play outside.
“Nowadays, most children spend a lot of time on electronic gadgets. They need to take some time out — go, play. Do something that is much more useful apart from just studying and spending time on a device,” said Dhoni.
He added, “Play a sport. It will help you understand life. It will help you understand how to deal with failure, how to deal with success, how to become competitive, how to respect the opposition. So, a lot of things can be learned. I am a big fan of people sending their children out to play.”
Agreeing, Aamish Dhingra, an ICF-PCC-certified life coach and co-founder of Cocoweave Coaching International in Delhi, said the digital era has shifted children’s attention from outdoor games to phone screens.
“Parents also forget the crucial need for outdoor play for their child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The first and foremost is maintaining physical health, which comes when children engage in activities such as running, jogging, jumping, climbing, etc,” said Dhingra.
By playing outside, children tend to burn more calories and have minimal chances of childhood obesity. “There is also strengthening of bones and muscles with any type of physical activity, along with boosting the immune system. Yet another important role of outdoor play is the kids’ social development, which occurs through the group activities involved,” said Dhingra.
As Dhoni pointed out, Dhingra said that children learn a lot from these team games, such as sharing, empathy, team effort, cooperation, etc. “Also, children develop friendships,” said Dhingra.
Another crucial role of outdoor games is emotional well-being. “There is a reduction in the levels of stress and anxiety post outdoor play, as there is more connection with nature. Endorphins get released and aid in mood elevation, and minimal screen time reduces overstimulation of the brain and eye fatigue,” said Dhingra.
Thus, it is the role of parents or caregivers to boost outdoor activities for their children and limit screen time, emphasized Dhingra. “You can achieve this by creating a play area outside your house itself with jump ropes, balls, etc., or engaging the child in outdoor sports class. Family trips can be planned that are in the lap of nature,” said Dhingra.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
