Most of us know that it is good for kids to play outside
because it keeps them happy and adults sane. But, there is so much more to
making sure kids have time to play with Mother Nature.
Two studies published by “Ophthalmology,”
the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, maintain that spending
time outdoors may help prevent or minimize nearsightedness. This is a
significant find considering in the United States, nearsightedness has
increased by more than 65 percent since 1970.
That is not the only consequence of our children’s growing propensity
to stay indoors. Childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the last 20
years and we have become the largest consumer of ADHD medications in the world.
Kids need to connect with nature and each other in order to
increase their physical fitness, improve concentration and reduce stress levels.
Also, children who are exposed to natural settings receive benefits to their
cognitive health, such as reduction of ADHD symptoms.
What steps can we take?
Start at school. Recess is an important part of the school
day and should not be taken away as punishment. According to The American
Academy of Pediatrics, unstructured recess provides psychosocial benefits where
kids get to be creative and explore different things. It is a necessary break
from the mental demands of a typical day at school. Loss of free
time can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
“It is counter productive to take recess away from students
because they need that time to refocus themselves,” said Melissa Vandermolen, 5th
grade teacher at Taft Elementary School in Redwood City, California. “I've found keeping students in class
during recess only exacerbates problems and is not a long term solution.”
Andrea Garen is the Wellness Coordinator at the Redwood City
School District in California. She advocates for outdoor recess and increased physical
activities outdoors. “Students who play outdoors at recess are better able to
concentrate and be attentive in school,” she said. “Some studies have also
shown that regular time outdoors helps children develop better social skills
and be better problem solvers.”
If your children will be in daycare or camps this summer,
ask counselors about the amount of time spent on outdoor activities. You can
also consider signing up the kids for an outdoor sport like soccer or softball.
After a long day, there are benefits for children and adults alike to get some
fresh air and a new scenic view. Start an after-dinner routine of riding bikes and
taking walks with the whole family.
Also important is to set limits on the screen time. Kids may love wasting hours in various cyberworlds, but for their
health and wellbeing, they need to spend more time out in the real one.
Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.
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