According to Jennifer Ward, author of "Let's Go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature," the average American kid spends about six hours each day tuned into television, video games or the computer. In comparison, children between ages 3 and 12 spend just 30 minutes a week playing outdoors, according to "Family Fun" magazine. Making outdoor time fun can increase that amount significantly.
Identification
Outdoor fun can be as simple as running around in the backyard. In fact, Alene Archer of the National Wildlife Federation's education department recommends unstructured playtime in nature for every child. Children can enjoy outdoor time in parks, trails or wooded areas, as well as more structured outdoor activities, like camping, boating, biking or berry picking.
Benefits
Outdoor fun can have substantial benefits for children. Rae Pica, author of "A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, and Free Time Create a Successful Child," says in "Family Fun" magazine that kids who play outside burn more calories and make more vitamin D, which helps regulate their sleep cycle and bolster their immune system. Kids who spend time in nature also concentrate better, have better self control and even score better on tests than kids who don't get much time outside, says Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," writing in "Family Fun" magazine.
Activities
In her book, Ward suggests several activities to get kids enjoying the outdoors. Try taking everyday activities, like reading, mealtime or art sessions, outside. Getting outside at unusual times--such as taking an early-morning bird-watching walk or a late-night stargazing stroll--also can get your kids excited about outdoor time. Ward also recommends old-fashioned outdoor games like kick the can or follow the leader, in which the whole family can participate.
Expert Insight
Frances E. Kuo, a researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who has studied nature's effects on children, recommends that parents encourage their children to head outdoors for an hour of unstructured play before they do their homework. According to Kuo, that outdoor time will improve their ability to focus and work productively.
Warning
Outdoor time carries with it the risk for outdoor injuries. Though most bites, stings, rash-causing plants and other outdoor health hazards aren't too serious, it's wise to have a first aid kit handy when you venture outdoors, according to KidsHealth, an online health information for parents and families maintained by the Nemours Foundation. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen year-round, and watch for signs of extreme heat or cold, because children may be more susceptible to extreme temperatures than adults.
References
- Family Fun: Get Outside!
- "Let's Go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature;" Jennifer Ward; 2009
- KidsHealth: Woods and Camping Safety for the Whole Family
Member Comments