A potpourri of CAB info
Fish & Wildlife Special Issue : Children & Nature
Why do children need nature & play?
Research shows that children need to spend time in nature for physical, mental and emotional development. Here’s why*:
Nature reduces stress and lowers the risk of depression. Many studies have shown that a relationship with nature and animals lowers blood pressure, reduces stress,and wards off depression in both children and adults.
Children work through issues by playing outdoors. When something is troubling you, how many of us have found quiet and solitude in the outdoors? Nature has a restorative, spiritual quality that enables children (and adults) to think more clearly.
Outdoor experiences may combat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD are restless, and have trouble paying attention, listening, following directions, and focusing on tasks. Studies have found that TV may increase a child’s likelihood of developing concentration problems, but that nature experiences may improve a child’s ability to listen and focus.
Children who spend more time outdoors may reduce their risk of obesity and other physical health problems. 40 percent of five- to eight-year-olds suffer cardiac risk factors such as obesity. Two-thirds of American children can’t pass a basic physical. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting contact with nature is as important to children as good nutrition and adequate sleep.
“Nature smart” children have heightened sensory skills. Outdoor environments challenge, excite, and stimulate our sense (while controlled, indoor electronic environments tend to drown our senses with noise and visual stimulation). Outdoor experiences help develop our kids’ sense of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch all at once. Nature-connected kids tend to pay more attention to the world around them, often noticing things that others miss. They also tend to do better on standardized testing.
Outdoor experiences foster more creativity. Natural spaces stimulate children’s limitless imaginations. Children who connect with nature may be more inventive and better problem solvers due to the hands-on learning that the outdoors provides.
Learn more about nature-deficit disorder and the AAP’s study on the importance of play at:<www.cnaturenet.org>
<greenhour.blogspot.com>
