Is ‘Nature Deficit-Disorder’ The Greatest Health Risk To Modern Kids?

Generally speaking, I have to talk myself into taking the kids outdoors. I know that sounds terrible, but it is something I genuinely have to work on. My brain says, "They're fine, they've been running around the house all morning. Get the crafts box out for an hour and that'll be a nice change in activity for a bit". And my heart says, "Are you crazy? Get them outdoors and give everyone a break for a couple of hours, we all need it!" Most days, I listen to my heart and we do all get out but I have to work through all the excuses that my brain is throwing up first. We're all always much happier when we get outside; me, the kids and the dog - so it's an essential part of our daily routine that I force myself to get behind. But why is getting outdoors with our kids such a chore? According to writer and naturalist Mike Weilbacher, when children start primary school, they already have 5,000 hours of television watching under their belts. Isn't that number kind of terrifying when you consider that we didn't have all the technology that our kids have today, and genuinely spent most of our childhoods outdoors? Weilbacher says;

"..kids are physically and mentally healthier if they spend time outdoors and in nature. They calm down when surrounded by green, which seems to ameliorate their ADD. And free play outside lets children develop social skills they can’t get from tube-watching"

He also rightly notes that modern children can name pop stars and quote television shows but couldn't name a tree or species of plant or insect if asked. I am inclined to agree with him but I also think there is a shift in attitude. Local creches in our area have moved towards the 'Forest School' ethos and are getting the kids outdoors every afternoon even if the weather isn't amazing. The kids all have warm coats, raincoats and wellies and aren't completely deterred with getting outdoors just because the sun isn't shining. Parents who are conscious of rising obesity rates are making sure that their kids are involved in as many physical activities as possible and are getting more proactive with limiting the screen time. We have a range of great ideas for hanging out together as a family during the summer months that don't involve switching on the tv or iPad in this article amongst others. So even when you're fed up, too tired, can't be arsed bundling everyone together and out the door for a little adventure, just remember this quote;

“Every child,” wrote pioneer botanist Luther Burbank, “should have mud pies, grasshoppers, tadpoles, frogs, mud turtles, elderberries, wild strawberries, acorns, chestnuts, trees to climb. Brooks to wade, woodchucks, bats, bees, butterflies, various animals to pet, hayfields, pinecones, rocks to roll, snakes, huckleberries and hornets. And any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of education.”

What do you think, are your kids getting enough outdoors time? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.