With Earth Day right around the corner on April 22nd, there is no better time than now to start encouraging your children to appreciate nature and the outdoors. In order for our children’s generation and future generations to appreciate the importance of environmental protection, it’s up to us as parents to help them to enjoy nature and all of it’s wonders! That means turning off the television and other electronic devices and joining your children to play outside. The National Wildlife Federation website features a concept called Green Hour. There are tons of ideas for unstructured play outdoors including time in the backyard, going for a walk in the woods, treasure hunts, playing in a park, or visiting a botanical garden.
The National Wildlife Federation reports that unstructured play outdoors helps children to:
- Play more creatively
- Have lower stress levels
- Have more imaginations
- Become fitter and leaner
- Develop stronger immune systems
- Experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD
- Have greater respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment
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