Let the kids play out.

Summer has arrived and open windows should let in the sound of children playing out, charging about and generally getting up to no good. This is how kids develop their physiques, absorb Vitamin D, learn how to interact with each other, learn about the dangers that the world holds and how by looking after each other those dangers can be avoided. There is no doubting that kids spend far less time outside playing than they used to. Parents are so cautious that they tend to restrict their offspring to a world of homework, organised activity and games consoles. To hear some parents talking you would think that the world beyond the front door was Mogadishu. Organised sport is a wonderful thing as is the ability to spend time alone lost in a book - but nothing is quite like charging about with your mates. Let 'em out. You will never be able to protect them from all the harm that may befall them and can only do your best to equip them to deal with the dangers. Let 'em out, and take time to enjoy the sound of their play drifting in through that open window.