Childhood is the time to build this risk assessment skill set. Kids need ample time to explore and adequately learn both components of risk.

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.

Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development.

Here is a sobering statistic: Children between the ages of 10 and 17 will experience nearly one-third fewer face-to-face interactions with other people throughout their lifetimes as a result of an increasingly electronic culture, at home and in school.

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.

Just like in nature, the sun and the dirt have provided slow and steady growth for our children, with deep roots formed and breathtaking blossoms of individuality springing up.

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.

Children are naturally inclined toward the things in nature that are helpful for their development. Puddles are readily available! Nature doesn’t skimp!

Yes, our world is full of incredible teachers (including parents) but the best teacher it seems, is our own personal feedback loop.

We take over the learning process so young that we forget how much children bring to the table as it relates to their own advancement.

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! ​

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?

Many kids are too busy to have time to play creatively or relax after school.

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. ​

So while we are portioning a certain amount of childhood time to seat work let's keep in mind that childhood is also a time where we are training the bodies of young children either to be active or inactive. 

Grade school girls need to take 12,000 steps each day and grade school boys need to take 15,000 steps each day just simply to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).  ​This is equivalent to MILES of movement. ​

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.