Kids benefit from time outdoors

“Go outside and play” was a common refrain heard around the neighborhood in years past, but not anymore. This marked departure from behavior patterns of earlier American generations means that for the first time in our country’s history, an entire generation is growing up disconnected from nature.

A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that the average American child spends 44 hours per week, or six hours a day, staring at some kind of electronic screen: TV, video games or computers. Author Richard Louv refers to this “nature deficit disorder” as a most disturbing but preventable trend.

Too much television has been scientifically linked to obesity, violence and even lower intelligence in youth. Now the signs are that these indoor youth are less healthy than their outdoor counterparts.

Children benefit greatly from spending unstructured time outside. In addition to creative play, they learn practical skills and how to experiment in the physical world. Their stress levels go down and their imaginations soar. They become fitter and leaner and their immune systems grow stronger. Time spent surrounded by nature helps young people see where they fit in the world, the value of wildlife and wild places and the true meaning of conservation.

To counter this nature deficit disorder trend, the National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their children a “Green Hour” every day; time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can be in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street or any place that provides safe green spaces to learn and play. Here are some ideas:

•Go on nature walks. •Put up a birdfeeder.

•Go camping in the backyard. •Create a backyard wildlife habitat. •Go fishing.

•Go on a bug hunt.

•Get to know your local nature center.

•Send your child on a nature scavenger hunt.

More ideas may be found at www.nwf.org/greenhour.com.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.

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