Adults often find themselves watching as their children are absorbed in television and cell phone screens. Some remember bygone days, the fond recollections of their own childhoods. Some experienced blissful days outside with neighbourhood children and siblings, playing. The lucky ones were not expected home until dinnertime.
What those adults may not know is that, scientifically, their childhoods spent in the outdoors primed them for happiness to a level that “indoorsy” people do not realise. Research confirms what many have long suspected: playing outside is good for children and their development. According to a recent study from Aarhus University in Denmark, children who spend more time in nature may be less likely to develop psychiatric disorders as adults. Or, as the article noted, “having more ‘cumulative green space’ is associated with a ‘lower risk of a wide spectrum of psychiatric disorders later in life.’” While there are a number of things that impact mental health including certain conditions, genetic predispositions and family history, the concept of green spaces, even in city centres, can be beneficial for child development and for the long-term mental health of residents. Data is showing that kids are spending nearly half the time outside as their parents did as children. “We can chalk it up to our busy schedules and the rise of technology, but that doesn't change the fact that our kids aren't getting much fresh air and sunshine,” according to the article. What is occurring now is a concerted effort to get kids outside, including an online movement generated by a mom and dad in Michigan. Ginny and Jason Yurich have started an online community aimed at getting families to spend 1,000 hours per year outside, with the ultimate goal of having children outside 4-6 hours at least three to four times per week. This time spent outside is also typically a boon to unstructured outdoor play, which is essential to childhood development. Longer periods of time outdoors equals big benefits for kids, according to the Yurichs. "Children who are allowed this freedom of time outside get lost in nature," Ginny said. "They get lost in their imaginations and they get lost in wonder. And then they rapidly develop. There are many factors why but one reason is due to the rich sensory environment that nature always provides." To actively explore the world is a gift that parents can give to their children, and it does not usually take much investment beyond time. Comments are closed.
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AuthorDr. Angela Carol MD,CCFP,FCFP is a family physician focused on treating chronic illnesses. Archives
May 2022
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