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Outdoor Play Teaches Physical and Social Skills

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 41-42 Month Old Child

Outdoor play is important. It gives your child some fresh air and the chance to use energy by running and jumping. Besides new physical skills, your child will learn how to get along with others.

Outdoor play with other children is a great opportunity for your child to learn social skills. Sharing, taking turns, learning to use manners, solving problems and coping with conflict can all be practiced on the playground.

Children feel proud when they master something new like going down the slide. Encourage your child to try new skills. If she fails, encourage her to keep trying. If she is afraid, let her know that you will be right beside her to keep her safe. If she decides to do another activity instead, be patient. Let her decide when she feels safe and secure enough to try.

Try to take your child out to play or for a walk every day if weather permits. Activities for the outdoors are endless. Young children enjoy kickball, chasing games, hide and seek, and climbing. Your child can help you with safe outdoor chores. If you are gardening, you could purchase child safe gardening tools and let her help you dig and plant. Young children love to help parents. They will learn life skills as they work with you.


Learn more about Your Child: 41-42 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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