Michele Thompson, MS

You have heard of No Child Left Behind, an important initiative in promoting the education of your children. But did you know that the No Child Left Inside movement is just as essential in the health and success of your child? The incidence of childhood obesity, depression, ADHD and other behavioral and learning disorders has increased with the number of hours children spend plugged in to the TV, video games and the computer. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has termed this problem “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Bridging the gap between your child and nature can help protect them from both physical and mental disease.

What is Nature Deficit Disorder?

Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medically diagnosed disease – not yet – but is a term that describes the waning connection to – and ebbing appreciation of – nature and the health benefits of making nature a part of your and your family’s lives. Research indicates that 80 percent of the average American child’s playtime is spent “plugged in.” No surprise that studies also report at least 20 percent of American children are clinically obese – this does not take into account the percentage of children that are “just a little pudgy.”

Don’t keep nature from your kids!

Even though the great majority of Americans live in urban areas, there is no reason that today’s youth should be relegated – or allowed – to spend the majority of their day indoors tethered to some form of technology.

Reflect back on your own childhood and recall what your afternoons and weekends were like. “Growing up in a small town, we were allowed to go off and play as long as we were home before dark, says Melanie L, mother of two. “So we’d go in the woods behind our house and catch frogs in the pond, build forts and played anything we could think of – always outside – even when it was snowy and cold. It was practically a punishment to stay inside and play,” she adds.

You may not live in a small town or feel safe letting your kids venture out by themselves, but you can keep them involved in healthy outdoor activity. Tammy G., proud mother of an active 5-year old, takes every opportunity to make nature a part of her and her family’s lifestyle. She feels that there is no reason to keep kids from connecting to the great outdoors.

She says, “[There are] no barriers – we jumped out of the car on the way into school just this morning and [my son] challenged me to find a snail, saying ‘Whoever finds the first snail wins!’” Nature is all around, even in the most urban of areas. Tammy adds, “We spend a lot of time at the park. We put down a blanket and [my son] runs around in the grass or chases bugs.”

The health of the environment is also at stake

Thomas Baumeister, education bureau chief of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in Helena, Montana, says that the obvious health problems that come with living an indoor, sedentary life are not the only issues at hand.

According to Baumeister, the health of the environment is also at stake. “A big concern with today’s children living “plugged in” to technology and not connected to nature, is that they will not grow up with the appreciation of nature – our Earth – which means they will not have the same passion of previous generations to preserve natural habitats, recreation areas or other open spaces.”

Fostering an appreciation of nature in your children is an easy feat. Jean G., mother of four and grandmother of one, knows the outdoor time her kids spent in their youth is beneficial. She says, “For vacations we always did ‘outdoorsy’ things, like camping and skiing. This really helped to instill an appreciation for nature that is with them to this day. They are all grown now, but still like going camping, hiking and skiing.”

There are far-reaching benefits of nature

Being outside is good for children. In addition to staying physically active, children can develop a great sense of self-confidence because exploring nature is self-directed. Free, unstructured play enhances creativity and decision-making skills. Children learn about themselves and they learn about the natural world.

Simply being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature – whether you are a kid or an adult – is a proven stress buster. In addition, keeping your kids actively engaged in play or physical activity can help improve their ability to be deep thinkers, concentrate and do better at school.

Read more:

• 10 ways to bridge your child and nature