Some of my favorite memories are from the many hours spent outdoors – from exploring the nearby woods, spending hours “creeking” through the creeks in the surrounding area, to harvesting the various bugs off the plants in our garden.
Times have changed and spending time outdoors is not as easy. For those with children, video games, internet, cable TV, and numerous other electronic distractions keep them indoors. However, spending time outdoors for our children is extremely important for their overall health and well being.
According to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, children are spending less time outdoors and losing their connection to the natural world. Louv attributes a wide range of developmental and behavioral problems in today’s children to this phenomenon.
This has sparked a national movement called Leave No Child Inside to reunite children and families with nature – making kids happier, healthier, and smarter. You can start a club in your area – invite family and friends to take part in a family nature club that meets once or twice a month to enjoy the great outdoors.
Just as important as it is to be involved in your child’s education, its equally important to be supportive and encourage your child to spend time outside. There are so many wonderful activities and educational fun things to do – from planting a garden, looking for fossils, camping under the stars, bird watching, to hiking trails, recycling and the impact on nature, fishing, canoeing, splashing in a stream – Fun! Fun! Fun!
Get outside!
