Do you remember ever trying to stand on swings to see how high you could go? Man, what a thrill! Nowadays, swingsets have become pretty advanced, with a bunch of new activities to keep the younger generation active while assisting them in developing essential skills and abilities as they grow. But do these activities cater to developing balance and coordination?
Yes, swingsets do help kids develop balance and coordination, depending on what features are included in the set. Typically, the features included in a swingset would include a set of swings, a climbing wall, monkey bars, ladders, etc. Each of these activities engages a child’s physical and mental abilities, including balance and coordination, challenging them to improve in order to overcome the obstacles in front of them.
Other benefits of swingsets for kid
In addition to balance and coordination, swingsets have several other benefits for your kids, too. Here are some of them:
Provides your kid with exercise
According to the World Health Organization, kids need an average of one hour of exercise every day. Unfortunately, with the improvements in technology and the young generation’s grip on things like video games and social media, it’s become all too easy for kids to spend all their time indoors in front of a screen.
Having a swingset provides children with a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy themselves while getting some exercise. As they climb, swing, and run around the playground, their heart rates will climb, ensuring that they get their 60 minutes’ worth of exercise daily.
Supports their mental and emotional well-being
Getting outside has a naturally calming effect on people and is a great way to promote your child’s mental and emotional well-being. The outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase the release of endorphins, and offer a vital break from the indoors for your child.
Improves social skills
Whether you invite some of your child’s mates to play on the swing set in your backyard or you take your child to the community playground, the social interaction they’ll get from this experience will be invaluable.
On the playground, our kids are in a world of their own. They’ll be faced with the need to communicate their preferences and feelings with other children and they’ll need to navigate disputes between the same kids. This teaches them valuable communication skills and conflict resolution or management skills that’ll set a foundation for them as they grow.
Has a cognitive benefit
There’s also a cognitive benefit too. Each type of swingset has its own unique challenges. For younger kids, every activity will be a new challenge for them to overcome that will test them both physically and mentally. As they learn to navigate each challenge successfully, their critical thinking and problem solving skills will improve, as will their confidence.
Strengthens their immune system
Exercise, in general, is great for your kids’ immune systems. The fitter your child is, the healthier they’ll be. Because the nature of running around and swinging is mostly cardio-related, it’ll improve your child’s cardiovascular system, which controls how the body transports blood. The more efficient this system, the faster nutrients get to vital organs and muscles, strengthening the immune system.
Best features on a swingset
You may want to select a swingset carefully for your child to ensure its features suit them best. Here are some options for you to choose from:
- Look for a set that has a variety of swing types like a belt swing, disc swing, or tire swing
- A tower with a slide is great for making the set more adventurous and provides your child with the opportunity to let their imagination run wild
- Monkey bars encourage your child to test out their upper body strength and, who doesn’t like swinging right?
- Finally, a climbing wall or rope ladder is always a good idea. If you’re looking for something to develop your child’s balance and coordination, a climbing wall offers the whole package
There’s a lot more to choose from than the options above. Vulyplay offers some of the best swingsets available online, so take a look here to find great deals on kids swing sets.
Final Thoughts
In addition to assisting your child in developing their balance and coordination, swingsets are the perfect backyard activity to keep them entertained, ensuring that they’re getting their daily dose of vitamin D and sufficient exercise. Be sure to prioritize choosing a swingset that caters to the skills you want your child to learn, too. In the end, you’ll see them soaring to the clouds in the same way you did as a child, or at least trying to.
