The Great Outdoors...and Why It Builds Brain Power
The sun is shining, the summer heat is gone and this is the perfect time to be outdoors with our families.
Many children today spend very little time in nature. We lead busy lives and our free time is often spent watching television, playing video games, catching up with friends on our smart phones or otherwise plugged into electronic devices.
Our children want, most of all, to be like us. When they see the adults in their world absorbed in the cyber world they naturally want to do the same. The child's body and mind are growing and forming the basis for the rest of their lives. More and more scientific information tells us that screen time changes the way the brain develops. The child can become distracted, easily bored, uninterested in other activities and doesn't develop the critical social skills necessary to have healthy relationships with friends, family and teachers.
So what are concerned parents to do? How to help our children to move away from hours spent in front of a screen, a screen which is not reality, but an escape from the real world? If we just tell our children that screen time will be limited we are almost sure to get resistance and anger. However, if there is an appealing activity or interest to take the place of television and video games the transition will go much smoother.
Making this change will take effort and but the rewards will be great: better social skills, improved concentration, more interest in the real world, better health and a stronger attachment to parents, friends and teachers.
Time spent outdoors is very important for everyone. Plan to take a walk everyday. Even a few blocks is beneficial. Plant a small garden or pots of herbs and flowers. Have a picnic at a local park and play ball, ride a bike, Have the whole family care for the yard and car. Many of us have others do these jobs for us, but they can be a bonding activity for children and parents. Involve everyone when deciding what to do on the weekend. Instead of the grocery store, a trip to a local farmer's market is great fun. There is an amazing one open on Saturday morning. Check out this link:
http://urbanharvest.org/farmersmarkets
For the best selections arrive early, stroll around, try samples of produce, cheeses and breads, listen to live music, talk with the farmers, bakers and chefs, have a delicious and healthy breakfast and enjoy the fresh air and friendly people.
For more information about this important issue read:
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. Here is a quote from his book:
“Why do so many Americans say they want their children to watch less TV, yet continue to expand the opportunities for them to watch it? More important, why do so many people no longer consider the physical world worth watching?”
Making an investment of time at this critical point in the life of your child will give benefits that extend throughout their life. Healthy bodies, healthy minds, healthy relationships: isn't this what we want for our children and ourselves? Pull the plug on screen time and enjoy the real world!
