How to Get Kids Off Screens and Back to Nature

Reclaiming the Great Outdoors:

Remember scraped knees, muddy hands, and the thrill of building a fortress of twigs and leaves? For many of us, childhood was synonymous with outdoor adventures, fuelled by imagination and powered by the simple joy of playing in the dirt. But in today's digital age, a growing number of children are spending their days glued to screens, missing out on the countless benefits of outdoor play.

So, how do we lure our kids away from their tablets and back into the embrace of nature? It's a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. It requires a shift in perspective, a bit of creativity, and a commitment to prioritizing outdoor time.

Understanding the Appeal of the Screen:

Before we can address the problem, it's important to understand the allure of electronic devices. They offer instant gratification, constant stimulation, and a sense of connection. We need to offer experiences that rival these attractions by tapping into children's innate curiosity and sense of adventure.

Reintroducing the Magic of Play:

The key is to make outdoor play irresistible. Here are a few tips to spark their interest:

• Lead by Example: Children learn by observing. Put down your own devices and join them outside. Show them the joy of exploring, experimenting, and simply being present in nature.

• Embrace the Mess: Let go of the need for pristine clothes and manicured lawns. Encourage them to dig, build, and get dirty. Remember, dirt is good! Exposure to microbes in the soil actually helps build a stronger immune system.

• Build Together: Building dens and camps provides children with a sense of accomplishment and ownership. Use natural materials like branches, leaves, and mud to create their own secret hideaways. This not only fosters creativity but also naturally builds confidence as they learn to problem-solve and work together.

• Explore Local Parks and Nature Trails: Discover hidden gems in your community. Pack a picnic and explore local parks, forests, and trails. Engage their senses by identifying different plants, animals, and sounds.

• Encourage Unstructured Play: Resist the urge to plan every minute of their outdoor time. Allow them to explore, experiment, and create their own games. Unstructured play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence.

• Make it a Family Affair: Turn outdoor activities into family traditions. Go for hikes, have backyard campouts, or build a garden together. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

• Embrace the Weather: Don't let a little rain or cold deter you. With the right clothing, even inclement weather can be an opportunity for adventure. Jumping in puddles, building snow forts, and exploring nature in different seasons adds variety and excitement.

  
  
  
  

The Power of the Natural World

We often strive to keep our children clean, shielding them from germs and potential illness. But could a little dirt actually be beneficial for their development? The answer, surprisingly, is often yes. Exposing children to microbes and the natural world through playing in the dirt can have significant positive impacts on their health and well-being.

While cleanliness is certainly important, excessive sanitization can be detrimental. Overuse of antibacterial products can eliminate beneficial bacteria that are crucial for a healthy immune system. Allowing children to play in the mud, garden, or simply get their hands dirty can help build resilience and strengthen their defenses against illness.

Here's a look at some of the key benefits of letting kids embrace the mess:

• Boosted Immunity: Exposure to diverse microbes in dirt helps train the immune system to differentiate between harmless and harmful substances. This can reduce the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases later in life. Think of it as a natural vaccination!

• Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that exposure to certain soil bacteria can have antidepressant effects, potentially boosting mood and reducing anxiety. Playing outdoors and connecting with nature is also known to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

• Enhanced Cognitive Development: Sensory experiences, like feeling the texture of dirt and mud, stimulate brain development and improve cognitive skills. Outdoor play encourages problem-solving, creativity, and exploration.

• Increased Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure, which often accompanies outdoor play, is crucial for vitamin D production. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

  
  

How can you encourage healthy dirt exposure? Here are a few ideas:

• Gardening: Let your children help in the garden, planting seeds, watering plants, and getting their hands dirty in the soil.

• Outdoor Play: Encourage outdoor activities like building mud pies, playing in sandboxes, and exploring nature trails.

• Nature Walks: Take regular walks in parks or forests, allowing children to explore and interact with the natural environment.

• Forget the Hand Sanitizer (Sometimes!): Opt for washing hands with soap and water when possible, reserving hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not available.

  
  

Camp building

Engaging children in outdoor activities is crucial for their development, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for nature. Building stick camps offers a fantastic opportunity to achieve all these goals, transforming a simple walk in the woods into an adventure. With a little guidance, kids can learn basic construction principles while creating their own imaginative shelters.

Here's a guide on how to help kids build their own stick camps:

1. Location, Location, Location!

• First, help your child find a suitable location. Look for a relatively flat area with plenty of readily available sticks and branches.

• Consider natural anchors like trees or large rocks to provide a foundation for the structure.

• Emphasize the importance of respecting the environment and avoiding disturbing fragile plants or animal habitats.

2. Gathering the Goods:

• Once a location is selected, it's time to gather materials! The required materials include sticks and branches in varying sizes and thicknesses.

• It's helpful to have a mix of long, sturdy branches for the frame and smaller, thinner twigs for filling in the gaps.

• Remember to only collect fallen branches and twigs. Avoid breaking branches off living trees.

3. Constructing the Foundation:

There are various ways to build the framework. Here are a few options:

• Lean-to: This simple design involves leaning long branches against a tree or sturdy support at an angle to create a sloping roof.

• A-Frame: Two sets of branches are angled towards each other, forming an "A" shape. These can then be connected at the top for stability.

• Teepee: Three or more long branches are tied together at the top, creating a cone-shaped structure.

4. Walls and Roof:

• Once the basic frame is in place, it's time to add the walls and roof. Weave smaller twigs and branches between the frame supports.

• For a more weatherproof shelter, consider layering leaves, pine needles, or even mud (if available and appropriate) onto the exterior.

• Leave an opening for a doorway!

5. Adding the Finishing Touches:

• Once the shelter is structurally sound, encourage creativity and imagination.

• Add decorative elements such as leaves, flowers, or stones.

• Use pine needles or soft leaves to create a comfortable floor inside the camp.

Safety First:

• Always supervise children when they are building stick camps.

• Teach them to be careful when handling sticks and branches to avoid injuries.

• Emphasize the importance of not building camps too close to roads, water sources, or potentially hazardous areas.

Building stick camps is a rewarding activity that combines outdoor exploration, creativity, and practical skills. By following these simple steps, you can help your child create their own woodland retreat and foster a lifelong love for nature.

Of course, it's important to balance dirt exposure with reasonable hygiene practices. Make sure children wash their hands after playing outdoors, especially before eating. Avoid areas with potential hazards like animal waste or contaminated soil.

Ultimately, embracing a little dirt can be a valuable investment in your child's health and development. So, let them explore, get messy, and enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors!

Spending time in nature offers a wealth of benefits for children, both physically and mentally:

• Increases Physical Activity: Outdoor play encourages movement, leading to improved physical health, stronger bones, and enhanced coordination.

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress hormones and improve mood.

• Enhances Creativity and Imagination: The natural world provides a rich source of inspiration for imaginative play.

• Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Outdoor play often requires children to think creatively and solve problems, fostering critical thinking skills.

• Builds Confidence: Overcoming challenges in the outdoors, like climbing a tree or building a sturdy den, builds confidence and self-esteem.

  
  
  
  

  "Reclaiming the great outdoors for our children is not just about getting them off screens. It's about giving them the opportunity to connect with nature, develop essential life skills, and create lasting memories. By fostering a love of the outdoors, we can help them grow into healthy, happy, and well-rounded individuals who appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around them". Dr Samuel Smith, childhood development specialist.