PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR COMBATTING NDD WITH YOUR KIDS

Do your kids spend too much time inside, staring at screens and playing video games? They may be experiencing Nature-Deficit Disorder (NDD), a concept coined by Richard Louv in his book, “Last Child in the Woods.“

This disorder refers to the alarming trend of people, especially children, spending less time in nature. It can lead to a range of emotional and behavioral problems of which all parents should be aware. Below, Mommy Warrior discusses how nature can positively impact mental health and offers some ideas for outdoor-based activities and outings to enjoy with your kids!

The Benefits of Nature on Mental Health

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly boost our mental health. Nature is a natural mood booster that can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also helps to improve cognitive function and creativity, which are crucial for growth and development in children. When kids spend time in natural environments, they become more aware of their surroundings and sharpen their observational and problem-solving skills.

Boost Your Outdoor Space

One of the first things to do for getting your children to spend more time outside is to evaluate the outdoor space at your home. Maybe you could add new outdoor play equipment like a swing set, trampoline, or slide. Perhaps you could even create a designated play area with rubber flooring or soft grass mats to prevent injury during rough play.

Another idea is to add a small garden or planting area where your children can learn about growing fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget about seating and shade options to keep everyone comfortable during outdoor playtime!

As you make improvements, remember to document your progress through before-and-after photos, and keep receipts for all the materials and services you buy. That way, you can easily prove the increase in your home’s value when it comes time for an appraisal!

Outdoor Activities for Children

Some of the most common activities parents can enjoy with their children to combat NDD include hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring nature reserves. Outdoor activities promote exercise, socialization, and engagement with nature, in turn providing kids with the opportunity to experience and understand the natural world around them. You can also encourage your children to engage in outdoor activities on their own, such as painting rocks or playing traditional outdoor games like tag and hide-and-seek.

Nature Reserves and Parks to Explore

If you’ve never visited nature reserves and parks with your family, now is the time to treat yourselves! National and local parks, beaches, lakes, and reserves make for fantastic spots for a family day out. 

Some reserves even run children’s activities, such as bird spotting or orienteering, which help kids to discover the environment’s beauty while burning off some energy. Research the nearest reserves and parks, and plan ahead for a healthy adventure!

Nature-Based Art Activities

Outdoor-based activities with kids don’t have to be about extreme sports or adventures. Nature-based art activities are often more calming and creative experiences for children, and they allow them to explore and comprehend their surroundings in a unique way. Some of the best art activities to consider are making plaster casts of animal tracks, exploring rock formations, and sketching the natural surroundings.

Engaging With Nature on a Daily Basis

Fortunately, parents and children can engage with nature daily, even when they can’t take long outings to parks and nature reserves. You can encourage your kids to watch for nature in their surroundings via birdwatching, taking care of the plants in the garden, or any number of other activities. Encourage your children to spend a little time every day — even if it’s five to 10 minutes — to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature.

Wrapping Up

It’s well-documented that nature has a positive impact on mental health, and it’s critical to find ways to create a connection with the natural world for our kids. You can make outdoor-based activities and outings part of your family routine, and doing so will help your children experience and understand nature’s beauty while reaping the wealth of health benefits that come with it. It’s never too late to start — head outside and enjoy everything nature has to give!

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on the Mommy Warrior blog!