Children nowadays spend a lot of time indoors instead of outdoors. There are many reasons why this happens. From parents who have little to no energy when they finally get back home from work to a variety of other factors such as the little ones’ busy schedules at school, the fact is that the issue has reached such an extent that it even has a name now. It’s called nature deficit disorder.
Apparently, the shift is mostly due to technology. It is said that an American child spends about four to seven minutes outdoors playing and approximately seven hours in front of a screen indoors.
Convincing children to go outside can be challenging, especially if they have no play partners. Sometimes, indoor activities are easier to manage, especially as they’re safe and it is far more convenient for parents to supervise their kids in this way.
Spending time outdoors is important both for adults and children. Did you know that one in eight young people have never in their life seen a cow? Here are some essential reasons why parents should consider creating a schedule so that they get their kids to spend more time in nature.
Exercise
Doing exercise on a regular basis should be a major part of kids’ lives. It is not only beneficial for their muscle and nervous system, but also for their minds.
As you might have heard by now, whenever we exercise, our bodies create endorphins, which make us happy and relaxed. Some studies suggest that children who exercise have a lower chance of developing ADD or ADHD. Even those who have these two disorders can improve their focus when they play outside or when they engage in a match of soccer or anything else.
Teaching responsibility
If you take the time to organize a hiking trip, as a parent, you will have the opportunity to explain to your kids that every little act has consequences. Pulling a flower out of its roots will cause its death, so it is important to let children know that everything they might do has one result or another.
Spending time outdoors reduces stress
The statement is true both in the case of adults and in the case of children. Think of it this way. There’s nothing better than getting a breath of fresh air and sitting back on the grass just watching the wind move the clouds in the sky. According to the Attention Restoration Theory, urban environments call for directed attention while natural ones make people practice an effortless kind of attention.
Here’s a tip. Even if you have never tried it before, try to organize a simple fishing trip with your children. You can get them several gifts for kids for the purpose, which might consist of anything from the most basic rod and reel combo to new sunglasses or even a game that involves using tiny fish as play pieces.
