Savvy Mums Encourage Kids to be Adventurous

92% of kids would be ‘very upset’ or ‘upset’ if they weren’t allowed to play outside

62% of youngsters would rather play outside with friends than stay indoors watching TV or playing computer games

52% of kids think playing outdoors is more exciting than playing indoors

Savlon is encouraging mums to get their kids outside and let them explore the ‘great outdoors’!  The drive, from the family first aid favourite brand, is backed up by new research highlighting that two thirds of five to 10 year olds in the UK would rather play outdoors with their friends than play computer games or watch TV inside.  

You might think that play habits have changed over the years with the advent of TV and computer games dominating today’s society.  But the research, commissioned by Savlon, just goes to show how much good old fashioned fun the great outdoors can actually be for our youngsters, as over half of the kids surveyed revealed that playing outside was ‘more exciting than playing indoors’ and a third saw it as a ‘a big adventure’.

It seems the findings turn the idea of Britain’s ‘couch-potato kids’ on its head as the virtual world does not cut it for youngsters today who would much prefer to be outdoors at play.   There is a whole world outside that can provide much needed learning and developmental opportunities as well as bundles of fun and excitement.  

Encouraging your kids to get outside and run around, roll down a grassy hill or make mud pies will give them and you hours of amusement!  The majority (92%) of those surveyed said they would be ‘very upset’ or ‘upset’ if they were not allowed to go outside to play, while only 1% claimed they would ‘be happy’ if they were not allowed to play outside.  And while children may get the occasional minor bump or bruise, a hug from mum or dad is the first step to making them feel better as confirmed by almost two thirds of the kids surveyed.  However, should they need a little more than just TLC, mums can also have peace of mind by knowing that there is a wide range of Savlon first aid products on the market to cleanse, treat and protect their little ones.  From the well known favourites like antiseptic cream and fabric plasters to the latest technology in first aid such as, spray plasters and Advanced Healing Gel - Savlon offers the full range.  

GMTVs Child Psychologist, Emma Kenny, explains:“Lumps, bumps, scrapes and bruises are not just ok, but are part of growing up and essential for building a child’s confidence and providing valuable lessons for later life.   Playing outside provides them with rich opportunities for imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness as well as allowing development of their socialisation skills.

Emma continues: “ It’s natural we want to be there for our children but allowing them independence means they experience new challenges and get to assess risks themselves like considering “do I really want to run up that muddy bank?”  If they do slip and hurt themselves, it’s all part of the learning process – and you will be there to make it better with a kiss, plaster or any other special mum first-aid magic!  Having a stocked first aid kit to hand and some basic first aid knowledge means you will be fully prepared for any minor incidents that come your way”.

The results reveal children’s favourite pastime after school or at the weekend is to play outside with their friends (33%) or go to the park or playground to play (29%).  This is despite almost all asked (97%) reporting they had acquired a scab or scar in the last 6 months.  

A spokesperson for Savlon, who ran the research, commented: “We want to encourage mums to get their kids outside and be adventurous.  The benefits of outdoor play are clear and ultimately it allows kids to just be kids.  You can’t always stop your child from getting the odd minor bump or bruise, but you can be there to help make your child feel better when it does happen – be a savvy mum and have a first-aid kit or some first aid essentials on hand to help you feel fully prepared.  The savlon.co.uk website also has some really useful first aid tips and advice.”  

Here are a few savvy tips on helping your kids enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors safely:

·Create a trusted family and friends watch scheme to supervise children when they are playing together outside
·Get kids to partner up with a ‘buddy’ to keep an eye on each other and flag up any potential problems they may encounter as they play
·Decide on a meeting point together so if your child loses sight of you they always know where to go to find you
·Agree on areas they are free to roam and the spots that are out-of-bounds before play starts
·Have a first aid kit on hand to cleanse, treat and protect any lumps and bumps your kids may acquire along the way

To find out more about basic first aid, what to put in your first aid kit and the Savlon product range visit: www.savlon.co.uk

‘Better a few grazed knees than a life cooped up indoors’