Struggling with ADHD? Nature might be the prescription.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, approximately 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, so it’s likely that you may know a child who is affected. While there are many struggles for children with ADHD/ADD, there are also challenges for parents, caretakes, and teachers.

You may find yourself searching for solutions to keep a child with ADHD/ADD calm, focused, and on-task, and while medication is often the answer, you may find that one aid is at your fingertips — the outdoors.

From the University of Illinois, researchers Dr. Frances Kuo and Andrea Faber Taylor have devoted their careers to studying the connection between general wellness and the physical environment — more specifically, the effects of nature on ADHD/ADD symptoms.

Amongst the studies spanned over many years, levels of cognitive function, impulse control, and attention were measured in children with ADHD/ADD after spending time outdoors. Children were taken for walks, quiet-time, or play-time in an outdoor area. Results showed that across the board, regardless of activity type, children’s behavior significantly improved after even a short time of 20 minutes outdoors. More interestingly, the “greener” the space, the more the child’s attention improved.

Spending time in nature with a child with ADHD/ADD as a supplement to prescribed medication may be helpful, and may be even more beneficial to the roughly 10% of children who don’t respond to medication and are stuck with the symptoms.

Ready to spend some time in nature?

1. Take an outdoor “brain-break” when homework becomes stressful for your child for a short period of play.
2. Before homework begins, take a 15-20 minute walk outdoors — remember, the “greener” the area, the better.
3. Use time outdoors as an opportunity for discovery — find shapes in the clouds, watch for birds, or collect interesting objects.
4. Consider a flexible or blended school model that allows for an outdoor classroom or more free time with family that can be spent outdoors.

Whether your child deals with ADHD/ADD or not, time in nature can be a great option to reduce stress, anxiety, and built up energy in a child. Ensure to allocate time for outdoor play throughout the week, and during your child’s day.

Interested in a more flexible schooling option for your child?

It’s time to grow!

Spring has arrived, and it’s a great time to start a small garden or try potted plants with your child. Try building a small garden or potted plants with cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, marigolds, or zinnias. Have your child help you dig the hole, pot plants, label the plants with popsicle sticks, water the plants regularly, and pick vegetables and fruits. The time spent outside, and learning a new hands-on-skill is a great way to spend downtime with your child!

Ready to learn more?