It’s time for kids and their adults to get out of the house and reconnect with nature. It’s a great idea to teach kids the wonder of the natural world because it helps give them a sense of themselves and how they fit into the larger picture of life. It’s very different to explore woods and streams, look at the sky and the stars, than to study them in books or online.
Most of us experience the effect of too much screen time on ourselves and equally, or more so, on our kids. Several significant studies suggest that there is a solution literally right around the corner. Kids who played in a natural, green, environment did better on measures of ADHD, depression and other, often more subtle, symptoms of mental and emotional stress.
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that being in nature actually increases cognitive function – in other words it makes us smarter. The theory is that being outside in a green environment prevents the negative effects of air pollution. Remember most of our indoor environments are more polluted than outside due to chemicals outgassing from construction, carpets, paints and plastics.
I think it’s even more than just chemistry. I think that we all have an innate need to connect to the natural world. So much of the anxiety, depression and emotional turmoil I see in kids has something to do with their feeling of being disconnected from meaning.
I realize that what parents are up against is that kids are so caught up in homework and video games that it may take some persuasion to get them up and out the door. It helps if you set an example by valuing outdoor time yourself and making it a priority in your busy life. Take your kids for a walk in the woods. Let them throw stones in the creek and play and explore. It’s good for you, for them and for your relationship with them. And just think – it can make all of you smarter!
We’re really fortunate to live in an area where there are so many opportunities to get out in nature. There are many paved trails which make it easier for little kids who may need a stroller for part of the journey or for a bike trip. You can get a map of Chapel Hill and Carrboro greenways from the Parks and Recreation department. There are many trails through Duke Forest. I’m particularly fond of the Korstian Division which has access points along Mt. Sinai Road and Whitfield Road. Hillsborough has new trails starting near Weaver Street Market which connect with trails on and around Mount Occoneechee within Mt. Occoneechee State Park. The Eno River State Park in Durham has lovely trails along the river. And Umstead Park, between Durham and Raleigh, has miles of trails for hiking in the woods or riding bikes.
For younger kids you can easily check out a book at the public library on trees and see how many you can identify by their leaves. You could start an outdoors diary or collect maps of all the trails you and your kids have explored. The Forest Foundation has great suggestions for fun outdoor activities for kids https://bit.ly/1PKKCAO.
Fortunately there are so many local options. I hope this inspires you to get out the door and into the green. Kids generally respond well to being outside, and catch on quickly to the joy and benefits.
David Shanks, LCSW is a therapist in Carrboro/Chapel Hill
Creating Successful Children
www.davidshanks.com
919-260-7213
