Experts are saying we don’t get enough time in the great outdoors these days, and parents are taking note. However, knowing your family needs to spend more time in nature and figuring out great ways to do that aren’t so simple in our hurried and digitized world. But take heart — we’ve pulled together some resources to help you win this tough parenting battle!
Head Start at the Homefront
When it comes to battling nature-deficit disorder, getting started at home is key. So whenever possible, introduce some things you and your family can do in your own backyard.
- Gardening with Kids: Activities for Growing with Children
- The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Camping
- 13 Outdoor Music Walls That Will Embellish Your Child-friendly Backyard
- Games Kids Can Play with Dogs
- How to Safely Observe Wildlife from Your Home
- Are Outdoor Musical Instruments a Good Addition to Playgrounds?
Of course, educators can also teach their students to be appreciative of nature. Cris Johnson has engaging school assembly programs that are interactive, educational, and fun, including programs dedicated to Ecology/Conservation and Recycling. Contact Cris to set up an unforgettable Conservation assembly at your school or library today!
In Your Neighborhood and Around Town
Of course, you don’t have to limit your outdoor adventures to the backyard. In fact, there are areas around town that can keep you more than a little busy!
- Taking Fun Walks with Your Kids
- 11 Low-Cost Outdoor Activities for Kids
- Plan a Picnic Lunch with the Kids
- Try These Fun and Free Family Outdoor Activities in Your State
Benefits Abound for Winning the Battle
So are the benefits of overcoming nature-deficit disorder? Believe it or not, spending time outdoors can provide a wealth of mental and physical perks.
- ‘Forest Bathing’ Really May Be Good For Health, Study Finds
- Being Near a Body of Water Makes Us Calmer and Healthier, Science Shows
- ‘Dirt Is Good’: Why Kids Need Exposure To Germs
- Top 10 Reasons Children Should Exercise
- How Children Benefit from More Time in Nature
Moms and dads have plenty of weapons for their battle against nature-deficit disorder! Look to your home to give your family a head start, and branch out into activities around town. In the end, you and yours have big health benefits to gain and only Nature-deficit disorder to lose!
Jenny Miller retired from teaching, but during her time with students she saw firsthand just how plugged in they really were. She made it her goal to encourage her students to unplug and get outside, and she continues that pursuit now for people of all ages through her site to end Nature-Deficit Disorder (NDD), StopNDD.org.