BALTIMORE, MD. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — A troubling trend is emerging; children today spend a staggering 35% less time playing outside freely than their parents did. In fact, kids have never spent less time playing outside. Increased screen time, safety concerns, and urbanization are some of the reasons why a majority of kids spend more time indoors. But experts say an early connection to nature can impact a child’s life forever.
From spider sightings to worm wrangling, preschoolers at St. Columba’s Nursery School are growing up with a knowledge of nature.
“Our children spend time outside every single day, rain or shine. It just really lends itself well to creative play, problem-solving, social skill development,” said school head Kate Murphy.
Social psychologist and senior scholar for Child Trends Kristin Anderson Moore, PhD says it’s never too early to expose your child to nature.
“It can happen during the first year of life,” she explained.
Children who engage in outdoor play often exhibit enhanced happiness, focus, and reduced anxiety. By exploring the natural world, kids develop a sense of responsibility and creativity. And it’s easy for parents to lead the way.
“Take your child outside, spend time outside just doing simple things. Go for a walk, maybe first in a stroller, and then the child can walk and stomp in puddles. Talk to your child, show them things, discuss them, spend time,” Moore said.
And while smart phones and video games may seem more stimulating. Outdoor environments offer sights, sounds, smells, and tactile experiences. And Moore emphasizes if parents positively interact with nature, their children will follow.
So be sure to appreciate all of it — even the small squirmy parts — your children will too.
The idea that kids are spending too much time indoors even has a name. It’s called nature deficit disorder, and some believe it can cause a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral problems in children. Parents can help by limiting screen time, creating outdoor play spaces, plan outdoor activities, encourage nature exploration, and support nature-based education.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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Sources:
https://communique.uccs.edu/?p=140792
https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/
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