Why swinging is great for children

 

Why swinging is great for children

Whether at the playground, park or in the safety of one’s own backyard, the steady metronome-like squeak of the swings is a sure sound of childhood contentment. Swings can be both relaxing and exciting for children, creating an inspiring sensation of flying or a thrilling sensation of falling, depending on how hard you’re pumping your legs. But swinging on a swing set is more than just fun. This enjoyable activity also has many health and developmental benefits.

Physical Benefits of Swinging
Swinging is the type of activity that helps children develop gross motor skills. Running and jumping onto swings, pushing other swingers, pumping legs to gain height and jumping out of swings all aid with locomotion, balance and coordination skills.

Swings also gently develop muscle strength and fine motor skills. Balancing on a swing seat can strengthen the core. Holding on to the cord or chain of a swing strengthens grip strength and finger coordination – an essential milestone for children learning to write.

Cognitive Benefits of Swinging
For very young or developmentally challenged children, swinging especially helps with sensory integration. Sensory integration incorporates spatial awareness and inner ear balance. Stimulating the senses through swinging gives the child’s brain practice at organizing and interpreting spatial information, providing a foundation for complex learning and behavior later.

In fact, the rocking motion of swinging stimulates the part of the brain that helps you focus, the cerebral cortex. Research has shown that students are more focused and ready to learn after recess. And the twisting and untwisting of swings or spinning on tire swings stimulates additional areas of the brain that are important pathways for skills like spatial awareness, balance, muscle control and rhythm.

Types of Swings from Rainbow Play Systems
Rainbow Play Systems of Texas offers a wide variety of swing options to choose from. Beyond the traditional sling swing, we also have baby bucket swings and half-bucket swings for the youngest children. Our deluxe glider can seat several children at once for collaborative play.

For more adventurous children, we have knotted rope swings with buoy balls or discs – the perfect accessory for perfecting your Tarzan yell on. We also have several styles of tire swings for kids who like to spin and swing.

There’s no reason why mom and dad shouldn’t enjoy the relaxation of the swing set too. We also offer two varieties of adult lawn swings, so grownups can play right alongside the kiddos.

 

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