A lot of times I get the question, “what do you do for living”. I say I live for getting kids and adults outside. Sometimes people will respond, “Like camping and fishing”? Well that too, but really I’m passionate about every day nature.
You see, outdoor experiences don’t need to be big. They can happen in your backyard. It can be whatever you want to incorporate in your world. That is the beauty of Mother Nature; old fashion play is just outside. You can even find the world of sports and learn many lessons there.
The biggest reason why I’m so passionate about this is because I loved to be outside when I was a kid. I still remembering how I used to love making streams out of the puddles of spring and how I brought my mom endless bouquets of dandelions in the spring and picking strawberries in the summer.
Nostalgia ?
Is it just nostalgia or is getting kids outside worth fighting for? If you listen to the experts they will tell you it is. Governments are talking about it. The non-profits and charitable organizations certainly agree. The media covers stories about it.
Spending time outside makes for more healthy and fit kids. This is especially important for small children as they develop motor skills.
Spending time outdoors helps kids get better grades
Spending time outdoor fosters creativity
Nature calms children with and without ADHD
The sun is the best source of vitamin D
Spending time outside teaches kids to care about their environment
Reduces your carbon footprint
The more time children spend outside the less colds they get.
But more importantly every cell in my mother’s heart instinctively knows this is the right thing for my children and it breaks a little bit with every story that I see about kids spending less time outdoors. I know that this stuff is as important as food, shelter and an education. It isn’t just playtime.
The funny thing about getting kids outside is it is the easiest thing to make happen. You can do it anywhere and anytime. The most effective community building happens when mommies use their collective mojo to bring kids together in a small garden or park consistently for play. If we can start there, the rest will happen… Naturally
