Sunlight regulates human physiology and behavior. In fact, approximately 100 bodily functions have daily rhythms that require exposure to the sun's day and night schedule for optimal function.

What I have learned throughout the past decade of outside play is that my kids are developing in untold ways. They are obtaining the skills needed for future success as they jump, run, skip, roll, and tumble.

Children desperately need their childhood hours. Let's give them some back!

As each of us begins to value these unmeasurable components of childhood, we show others that there are many enticing paths toward success and happiness.

Many of the things kids need to learn during childhood happen only during unstructured time. Hours upon hours are needed and these portions of development cannot be hurried.

Nature gently reminds me to let things go and embrace the unpredictabilities that are synonymous with parenting. When I surrender something altogether different and magnificent is created.

Take charge during this sometimes scary season of life when we fear we might mess it all up but deep down we know kids need nature time. They need it now more than ever.

Movement during the day and throughout childhood is crucial. The importance here is monumental. Childhood is when children develop the vestibular sense and it's not happening while they sit still.

Throughout childhood there will be many voices encouraging you to enroll and each enrollment will certainly have some merit. What you probably won't feel is much pressure to play outside.

Extended time outside provides children with the perfect environment they need for their growth, while simultaneously providing parents and caregivers with desperately-needed moments of reprieve and peace.

Many of our frustrations as parents arise simply from denying our kids the opportunities they desperately need, albeit unintentionally. The cherry on top is that nature time is good for adults as well so there really are no downsides here.

When children go outside they naturally want to challenge their bodies. Challenge is integral to development. As physical movements grow more complex, so do the connections within the brain.

Playing outside is an inexpensive investment in the short term and long term health of your family! ​

75% of the time we spend with our kids in our lifetime will be spent by age 12.

In the sea of activities available to children and families the simple act of stepping outside to play can easily get lost. Who has time for playing in the yard when there are dances to be rehearsed, homework to be finished, music notes to be played, and soccer drills to run?

If children can consume media through screens 1200 hours a year on average than the time is there and at least some of it can and should be shifted towards a more productive and healthy outcome. ​

Whatever your family situation is, nature provides a solution for fostering connection. 

When my kids are grandparents I want them to have good stories - rich stories of full childhoods.  I want them to talk about the forts they built and the frogs they caught.  I want them to talk about the waves they jumped and the trees they climbed.  I want them to remember the campfire songs and the seemingly endless moments swinging through the breeze in the backyard.

So, grab a friend and head outside.  Your body and your children's bodies will thank you!

So how as parents can we give our children a leg up when it comes emotional intelligence? Giving them uninterrupted time to play outside with friends will give them a significant social advantage.