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Why Is Swinging Important for Kids

Why Is Swinging Important for Kids

Is swinging important for kids? Lately, I see many playgrounds, parks, and schools without a swing set. Are they left out due to liability , supervision, or cost? I’m not sure what the challenges are to include swings anywhere kids are, but I do know why it is so important for kids to have opportunities to swing.

Importance of Swinging

Is swinging important for kids? Yes! It is important for a child’s development!

Let the kids swing!

Let them swing on their bellies, twist and turn, swing slow or fast, swing high or low.

Just let them swing!

Swinging is important for kids!

Did You Know:

  • Swinging strengthens your child’s core and helps with the development of the sense of balance.
  • The rocking motion of swinging stimulates the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that helps you focus.
  • Swinging offers help with sensory input and integration, which is how your brain organizes and interprets information. Sensory Integration provides a foundation for later, more complex learning and behavior.
  • Swinging is calming!
  • Swinging encourages social interaction and development of social skills.
  • The movement of swinging helps develop perceptual skills.
  • Swinging increases spatial awareness.
  • Swinging helps develop gross motor skills – pumping legs, running, jumping, etc.
  • Swinging helps develop fine motor skills – grip strength, hand, arm, and finger coordination.
  • Twisting and untwisting on the swing has additional benefits! According to research, the spinning motion stimulates different parts of a child’s brain simultaneously, which promotes the development of interconnected pathways in the brain. These connections are important for the brain’s ability to learn skills such as spatial awareness, rhythm, balance, muscle control, etc.

Swinging is Important for ALL Kids

So if swinging has such positive effects on a child’s nervous system, cognitive development, and a child’s development why are there not more swings? Tire swings, a bucket swing, tree swings, rope swings, or an infant swing should be included in all playground equipment! Young children need the option of swinging during free play. Not only will they get fresh air, but their core strength, coordination skills, and sensory information will all benefit.

When a child swings, not only do they have a good time, but the swinging motion calms a child’s nervous system. Often children with special needs or sensory issues who see an occupational therapist are encouraged to swing because it benefits the proprioceptive systems. The benefits of swinging are known and swinging benefits ALL children!

Offer swings in play spaces because only great things can come from it.

Let them swing!

 

Resources: Take a SwingSolve J Swings, Photo Credit: 

Charla Merlin

Thursday 14th of September 2017

Thank you for this article. I've often only considered the physical benefits of swings for children. I'm sure most parents will want to get their babies at least one swing to avail all these benefits before as their children ages.

Nicole

Thursday 14th of September 2017

I hope so too!

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Anna K.

Tuesday 3rd of May 2016

My 10 1/2 son, who has DS, cannot pump himself on the swing. I really want him to learn but it just hasn't come together for him yet, although I have worked on it, and his PT has worked on it. He will straighten and bend his legs, but he is not leaning back and then pulling his trunk forward. He can swing himself on his glider swing though.

Teresa Ross

Monday 2nd of September 2019

I’m 54 and1/2 . I’ve always been-super good on the swing. Taught my granddaughter and just today taught my 7 year old grandson. He made me also swing.... I’m here in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. If you are anywhere near me, then I could teach your son to swing.