Take a Child Outside Week
September 22, 2008
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Did you know that September 24-30 is Take a Child Outside Week?
According to the website, the program is an initiative of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science and is designed to:
“…help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world. By arming parents, teachers and other caregivers with resources on outdoor activities, our goal is to help children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live, and a burgeoning enthusiasm for its exploration.”
The site has some neat goodies, including a map with listings of local nature outings you can participate in with other parents.
Of course, you don’t have to plan a fancy outing to get the kids outside enjoying nature. Just go outside for a walk.
My girls love to make mud pies at the end of the road or swing in their tree swing. My oldest goes outside by himself to daydream and play, shoot arrows or whatever, and the 7 year old to play horseshoes, ride his bike or hang out with his big brother.
It does us grown ups good to get outside too. When we’re exposed to natural lighting we’re more energetic, less prone to depression, and have healthier sleep/wake cycles. We’re meant to spent lots of time outside. When we don’t, we experience more stress and fatigue.
Some of the barriers to outside play are things like easy and unlimited access to screens. TV, video games, computer games, all of these take up a lot of time.
Read more about nature deficit disorder:
Does your child have nature deficit disorder?
How to prevent nature deficit disorder
Will Take a Child Outside Week motivate you to spend more time outside with the kids? Or do you already do this? Share your thoughts below.
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