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.

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 Swing, Solve J Swings, Photo Credit: