It seems that our kids today are not enjoying the benefits we had as children, the simple things we took for granted-climbing trees, playing tag, hide-and seek, sandlot baseball,and making clover necklaces. According to research, 70 percent of adults had their biggest childhood adventures in outdoor spaces, compared with only 29 percent of children today.
It’s called “nature deficit disorder”, and millions of kids today are suffering from it. The cure is relatively simple: a daily dose of nature! Research by Andrea Faber Taylor indicates that exposure to nature for even short periods can help children focus, even those with attention deficit disorders. There are also strong indications that children who experience nature do better academically. Her rallying cry is “Kids who spend more time outside end up paying more attention inside.” Researchers think this is because of the calming effect nature has on humans. The added relaxation helps students concentrate better.
Each year in May, our local eLearning families attend a hike at the Clark Creek Nature Trail near Woodville, Mississippi. What I enjoy most is seeing the joy and elation in the faces of the children as they experience nature at its best in a primitive yet safe environment. We usually end the day wet, cold, dirty, bruised and scratched, not to mention sore for quite a few days. But it remains by far the favorite and most sought out field trip.
Your children will gain numerous benefits from being outdoors.In addition to being healthier, happier, and more physically
fit, they will also learn to solve problems and think critically. Give your kids more time to be kids…outside. And while you’re at it, enjoy some of the nature yourself!
Happy Spring!