You see them everywhere: in parks, playgrounds and often in your own backyard. Outdoor swings are an enjoyable and embedded part of American culture and a beloved activity among its youth. Did you know, though, that outdoor swings actually possess a number of health benefits in children that promote everything from therapy to development? Here are just a few reasons why you should consider getting your wee one swinging.

Disabilities

For many children confined to a wheelchair or other motor skill ailment, mobility is an issue. Saddened at not being able to play with their peer, a disabled child is much more likely to develop a case of childhood depression. Because people recognized the unfairness and damaging effects of this situation, researchers have made great advancements in specially designed outdoor swings that specifically cater to special needs kids. One such breakthrough is the patented Liberty Swing. This invention comes from Australia and gives children of all circumstances the freedom to be a kid. How it works is that the swing is actually an extra large box-shape connected by extra sturdy side railing to an overhead beam, much like a normal swing. The front of this box then is detachable and also folds down as a wheelchair ramp. The box itself comes with a popup seat to accommodate children not in a wheelchair. The unit is safe and fun and operates with the simple turn of a key.

Overall Benefits to Kids

Outdoor swings also promote a number of positive physical, social and cognitive effects. For example, most often seen in parks and busy settings, swing sets promote social interaction. From a physical standpoint, swinging promotes general fitness alongside children's everyday play. As far as cognitive benefits, outdoor swings tend to help with movement and perceptual skills, along with spatial awareness, mental representation and sensory integration including learning to balance.

Brain Development in Preschoolers

A relatively new scientific approach is to involve young children in the act of body spinning as a development tool. According to research, the act of spinning stimulates different parts of a child's brain simultaneously, thereby promoting the development of interconnected pathways in the brain. These connections can then put children ahead when learning such skills as spatial awareness, rhythm, balance, muscle control, etc. A number of different outdoor swings can work as far as spinning devices. You've probably seen children naturally twist themselves around in a traditional swing, but single chain and tire swings work just as well.

Benefits for both Children and Adults

The therapeutic effects of swinging are not limited solely to children. Adults can also boost their health with outdoor swings. For one, the simple act of being outside allows you to breathe fresh air, be visually stimulated, away from the TV and crank up the endorphins from natural sunlight. To go along with that, outdoor swings are a proven stress reliever overall, and lower stress means a stronger immune system. Swinging also helps in circulation and may reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Hammocks is one type of swing that has some unique qualities to it. Doctors sometimes prescribe hammocks to patients with chronic back and leg pain. The way in which a hammock works is that it conforms to the body, thus evenly distributing one's weight and taking the excess strain off of aching muscles and allows the spine to relax. Improved concentration is another unexpected benefit. The rocking motion produced by outdoor swings is said to stimulate the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain which helps you to focus. This could prove an especially good development for children with ADD/ADHD.

If you already own a swing set, you probably didn't buy it with your children's health in mind. If you don't own one as of yet, you may want to consider one for the sake of your children. Isn't it nice when that rare moment of serendipity occurs when you find something your child likes that's also good for them?