We can all agree that kids of all ages adore sand, and they can spend hours having one. Yes, their clothes can get very dirty, but no parent can deny them that opportunity to explore. Obviously, when it comes to toddlers, parents need to supervise their time in a sandbox and make sure that they do not eat any of the sand because they will try for sure.
Besides being very entertaining, enjoying this activity for a long time can also offer numerous development benefits. Generally speaking, people aren’t always familiar with all of these, which is why we will discuss them in great detail.
1. It Boosts Their Immunity
Yes, we know you do not like seeing your child in dirty clothes and that your job is to keep them clean and healthy. However, you cannot prevent this every time they go outside to play. It is scientifically proven that this is the best way for them to build their immune system.
However, you need to be careful where they want to wander off and if they can get hurt. This is the first reason why you should purchase a sandbox. Instead of having to inspect the playground for any sharp objects every time you take them to the nearby park and trying to establish parental control over the entire area, you can enjoy this time with them in your backyard. When it comes to the types of sand, you can choose between multiple brands. So, in order to ensure your kid is safe, check out www.aivituvin.com to find the best product, and have fun with your little own while they explore the world around them.
2. It Builds Motor Skills
Walking on a beach can sometimes be challenging, even for adults. Will your toddler try walking in the sandbox? Probably. Will they be successful? Probably not after the first attempt. Will they get frustrated? Perhaps, depending on their personality. But, will they develop their motor skills over time? Absolutely.
In addition to this, they will also build hand-eye coordination while playing with toys and building a castle or some other object. Kids love these little tools, and they will keep them occupied for more extended periods of time. They will also increase their muscle strength when lifting a bucket with sand and moving it around. The bottom line is that it will do wonders for their physical development.
3. Kids Will Learn to Interact With Others
Many parents believe this is an independent form of activity, and it can be. However, if you have multiple children or organize playdates with other kids, it can be a great way for them to develop their social and language skills. Your child will learn how to communicate and interact with other kids, and they will also learn how to share, which is a habit some of them struggle to adopt.
Furthermore, they will also learn to collaborate and work with others. Say they want to dig a hole together. They need to figure out what is the best way to do it, which boosts their problem-solving skill, but also agree with other children present and work together.
4. It Develops Their Creativity
Sandboxes can offer so much more than simple physical development. The truth is that it can help with the child’s imagination and creativity skills. Let’s go back to the sandcastle building. Once they finish it, you can suggest different ways to decorate it. Instead of the toys they have, you can take a walk around the garden and collect flowers, branches, leaves, and rocks they can use.
This is a great way for them to explore their surroundings further and, at the same time, develop their imagination while trying to figure out how to make that castle beautiful and unique. What’s more, there are really no limits when it comes to objects built from sand. You can give them some suggestions, or you can let them work on their own. Either of these is fine.
5. It Builds Sensory Development
Firstly, there is the tactile sense. If your child has never been on a beach before, a sandbox will open a whole new world for them. They will probably be curious and amazed the first time they touch the sand. They will see that the grains are very small and can be warm or cold, depending on the heat and sun exposure.
Secondly, they will learn how to move on an uneven surface. We already mentioned this when we discussed motor skills, but they also have to understand how to keep their balance and distribute their weight in order not to fall over every time they try to move. It will probably take some time, but they will eventually learn it.
6. It Improves Their Attention Span
Focus on a single task can be quite challenging for some kids. Obviously, you cannot expect your toddler to spend too much time playing with one toy, but older children have to learn how to focus on the task at hand. After all, they will have to do their homework once they start school.
The best way to ensure they focus on something is to make sure they are having fun. Otherwise, you won’t be very successful, and they will soon grow tired of the activity. You cannot deny that sandboxes are fun.
So, instead of using a more traditional approach, that is, pen and paper, why don’t you use their toys or even branches or flowers to teach them some letters and numbers? This way, you will significantly boost their learning experience, they will quickly adopt the new information, and since it will be fun, they will engage with you.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, there are numerous advantages a sandbox in your backyard can offer. Naturally, most parents only think about the fun their kids will have, but as you can see, it can also provide you with several development benefits. Plus, you can rest assured that they are always safe.
