Most of us instinctively know that we feel better after spending time outside. A morning at the beach. A bushwalk through the forest. Simply sitting in the sunshine.
Unfortunately, children today spend roughly half as much time outdoors as they did a generation ago. Now kids spend only about seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play.
But outdoor time is essential to our kids’ mental health and wellbeing Research shows that not only can nature connectedness improve a child’s wellbeing, it can also enhance cognitive development and develop motor skills.
In this article, we explore the many varied benefits of being in nature. We’ll also discuss ways you can incorporate more outdoor time into your child’s day.
Why are kids spending less time outdoors – and why does it matter?
It’s a sad fact that children today are spending a lot less time in nature than previous generations. Some estimates put the amount of time spent indoors by children in developed countries at an astounding 90%.
The reasons for this are varied, but can include:
- Overscheduling in modern family life (e.g. school, homework, after-school activities) means less free time available
- Urbanisation has led to fewer natural sites available for nature play
- Parental fear around independent and risky play
- Popularity of technology and social media monopolising time and attention
- Extreme weather patterns affecting opportunities to play outdoors
- Homework and study obligations
There are many obvious downsides to children spending less time outdoors. When they spend less time climbing trees, scrambling up mountains and splashing in rivers, and more time being sedentary indoors, mobility, agility and physical health are impacted. There are also disadvantages from being exposed to fewer natural materials, textures, flora and fauna.
There are also additional drawbacks of children spending less time outdoors. It limits free, unstructured, independent play time for kids. It also has flow-on effects on place attachment and connection to nature. So, the less time a child spends in the natural environment, the less likely they are to care about taking care of it.
10 benefits of nature
There are countless benefits to kids being in the outdoors. This applies to both green and ‘blue’ (beach) spaces. But let’s take a closer look at 10 potential benefits of nature.
- Improved physical health through increased exercise, full-body movement (balance, coordination etc) and improved air quality
- Enhanced resilience, problem solving, cooperation and conflict resolution in early childhood
- Improved social and emotional development
- Enhanced cognitive development, including improved working memory and superior working memory, and reduced inattentiveness
- Heightened empathy
- Increased positive emotions and mood
- Nature play is typically unstructured and therefore encourages different types of play, including creative, imaginary and role play
- Offers the conditions needed for a child’s healthy development
- Provides opportunities for risky play, which can promote social competence, physical and mental health
- Positive interactions with nature are crucial to the health and development of children
How to reap the benefits of being in nature
Today, with our overscheduled lives and urban environments, it can be hard to find the opportunity to play in nature.
If you want your child to experience the benefits of being in nature, here are a few ways to invite more nature play into your family life:
- Make a map of all the green spaces in your local area. A little online research (or walking adventure) might help you to discover unexpected pockets of nature nearby.
- Schedule it in. Just as you’ve carved out time for homework and dinner, set aside some time for outdoor play. Commit to it until it becomes part of the routine. Even a 15-minute play on the way home from school will make a difference.
- Research if any bush playgroups or forest schools operate in your area (in Brisbane, we have Bush Explorers Playgroup for pre-school aged kids as one example). Many of these conduct activity sessions in local forests, green spaces or beaches for toddlers and school-aged children. This is ideal for parents who need extra support.
- Organise regular nature playdates. This could be with one close friend or your child’s entire class and their parents. Allow the children to enjoy unstructured play time building forts and inventing their own games.
- Meet your child where they’re at. If they’re fearful or anxious about playing in the wilderness, start small. A simple activity like a picnic in a park or walking your dog through a nature reserve could be a low-pressure introduction. If they have a phobia, a psychologist can help.
- If your child is hooked on technology, think about ways you can do both. For example, take a device on a mountain climb and encourage them to create a photo collage or video of the experience.
- Think about activities your child enjoys and see how you can combine it with nature play. They may love a treasure hunt in nature, starting a new collection or finding natural materials to use in crafts.
Want to learn more about the benefits of natural play?
If you want to chat more about the benefits of natural play, or need support encouraging your child to get outside, we can help.
Our team of Young Minds Network clinicians can share strategies and check in with your child if they have anxiety around being in nature. If you can’t get to a clinic, we also offer a convenient Telehealth service.
Reach out to the team or browse our free online resources. We’re here to help!
Find out how we can assist by making an appointment enquiry today with Young Minds Network, or call us on: 07 3857 0074.
Author: Di O’Malley – Founder and Managing Director of Young Minds Health and Development Network, and Counselling Psychologist.