For some parents and caregivers, most of your childhood was spent playing outside. It was only when the streetlights turned on and it was time for dinner that you would head back inside!
But these days, that is not the case for kids. Instead, there may be more focus on planned activities and screen time. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has found that kids spend about seven hours a day just watching TV, playing video games or using their phones and tablets. Here are some ways to help reduce screen time and connect your child with nature:
- Summertime magic: It might be challenging to find extended periods of time where you can spend outdoors with your child during the school year, but what about non-school times, such as summer or school breaks? Many places offer classes, camps, and special events that focus on nature and incorporate opportunities for outdoor play. Look at your city’s community activities for ideas.
- Build it into routines: Find times when you can build nature time into your family routine. For example, an evening stroll around the neighborhood before or after dinner or planning a park or beach day once a month. Having a built-in reminder to go outside and get fresh air can make the biggest difference!
- Outdoor celebrations: Sometimes a small celebratory sprinkle of nature can help change things up. For example, are there holiday gatherings or birthday parties that can be spent at a park?
- Rain or shine: A little bit of rain or snow shouldn’t stop you from having fun outside! Of course, when the weather is scary or dangerous, it’s best to stay indoors, but when the weather isn’t too bad, then you and your child can put on your boots and splash in puddles or build snow people.
To read more about tools and resources for connecting with nature as a family, please visit this website.
