I don't know why being out-of-doors makes me happy. I think that walls just fence my soul in. Sometimes I need to be able to see horizon to horizon. I am sure that being in nature in good for me and good for my grandchildren, too. And I'm also sure that almost all children need to be outdoors more and that grandparents are the right ones to make it happen.
Why Grandparents?
My parents knew how to ride a horse, milk a cow and pick cotton. They also explored every inch of the countryside without GPS and without getting lost. They knew the names and the habits of all the resident wildlife. Although I'm just one generation removed from them, I know less about my natural surroundings. And my grandchildren, three generations removed, will know much less, unless specific efforts are made.
Because grandparents are closer to the generations that were closer to the land, we have knowledge and skills that later generations may not have. Since most of us are freed from the demands of child-rearing, we also have more time.
What Is a Nature Deficit?
In his influential book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv uses the term "nature deficit disorder" to describe the results of being removed from nature. Some object to the way Louv, who is neither a doctor nor a psychologist, borrows the term "disorder." For that reason I just use the term "nature deficit."
Regardless of the term used, there can be little doubt that children are in the natural world far less than they used to be. The National Recreation and Park Association reports that children spend only 4-7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play, while spending over seven hours a day on electronic media. Another study out of the University of Michigan found that from 1981 to 1997 time spent in unstructured outdoor play fell 50%. And those of us who have been around children know that the decline in outdoor activities continues.
What's Keeping Kids Indoors?
Most families today are two-career families, meaning that there is less time to supervise children, and most modern parents believe that children need supervision outdoors. Grandparents can volunteer to provide the supervision. A lack of a proper environment for play also keeps kids indoors. Grandparents can help by taking children to appropriate parks, playgrounds and natural areas.
Many modern parents don't understand the importance of free play. They may believe that in today's high-pressure environment, their children need team sports, lessons, tutoring and other organized activities more than they need free play. The truth is that free play allows children to use their creativity, social intelligence and problem-solving skills to a greater extent than they are allowed to do in more controlled environments. Grandparents can help by pointing out that outdoor play is supported by entities ranging from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the First Lady.
Why Kids Need to Be Outdoors
One reason is obvious: Our children are suffering from obesity, and outdoor play tends to be active play. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children get one hour of active play per day, and although their recommendations do not specify outdoor exercise, many of the recommended activities -- hiking, bike riding, skateboarding -- are outdoor activities.
In addition, children who play outdoors don't suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin D and also have improved eyesight because they use their distance vision more. At least one study reports that outdoor activity is a safe, non-drug therapy for ADHD. And children sleep better at night if they have been active during the day. In addition, researchers have found that being outdoors has a positive effect on children's cognitive functioning and psychological well-being.
Links to many research studies can be found at Children and Nature Network under the Research and Resources tab.
How to Do It
Some of the best times I've had with my grandchildren have been totally unplanned, with the grandchildren shaping activities with their amazing imaginations. When children are reluctant to get out of doors, however, it helps to have something enticing planned. Here are a few suggestions:
- Invest in scooters. They take up less room than bikes, are more easily transported and aren't outgrown for years. My grandchildren love their Razor scooters.
- Investigate nearby playgrounds, and don't forget about school playgrounds.
- In hot weather, look for a splash park. Many neighborhoods and communities have them.
- Buy a variety of balls and play these old-fashioned ball games.
- Try these nature activities that are both educational and fun.
- Consider acquiring a croquet set or other sporting equipment that's perfect for a grandparent's house.
- Take an activity that is normally played indoors out-of-doors.
The Role of Electronics
Although children are clearly spending more time on electronic amusements, restricting use isn't the only answer, although it may be part of it. A better solution is to look for ways to bring technology and the outdoors together. Geocaching is an example of one activity that utilizes technology but also promotes outdoor activity. An inexpensive digital camera may spark an interest in outdoor photography. Older children can be encouraged to use technology to research interests such as hiking and boating.
As I am fond of saying, we will never put the technology genie back into the bottle. Still, we don't have to surrender. Once you get the grandchildren to turn off their devices and get outdoors, they may play happily for hours.
Grandparents Benefit, Too
All of the benefits of being outdoors accrue to grandparents, too, as long as we know our limits and how to avoid grandchild-related injuries. We can take care of our nature deficit and get our grandchild fix at the same time. Sounds like a prescription for happiness to me.