A natural connection
Free play outdoors stimulates imaginations and enhances a child's well-being
BY LAURIE MCPHERSON
Winnipeg Health Region
Wave, September / October 2011
It's only natural.
Most of us over the age of 30 grew up with parents
who had no difficulty telling their children to "Go play
outside!" Some even recall their parents adding in the
comment, "And don't come back til supper!"
Things have changed, to be sure. Parents no longer
feel comfortable sending their children outdoors to play
on their own; residential streets aren't filled with kids
skipping rope, playing tag or hide and seek. Instead the
vast majority are "plugged in" to the Internet, instant
messaging, playing video games or watching television.
The results of this shift in lifestyles is clear. Children
and adolescents have never in history been so physically
inactive, obese or prone to depression and anxiety.
Certainly there are a number of factors at play, however,
there is a growing movement of experts and caregivers
who are concerned about this shift and are setting out to
make some positive changes.
So what is it about being outdoors and engaging with
nature that is so important in childhood? Study after study
has shown that children who spend more time outdoors
and interacting with nature benefit by having increased
opportunities for movement, creativity, problem-solving,
empathy and stress reduction, as well as increased
imagination and enhanced ability to focus, which is
linked to better performance in school.
Unstructured, outdoor free play is of particular value to
young children. This is in sharp contrast to the structured
sports and programmed activities that many children are
involved in these days. Free play outdoors allows children
to practise developing a variety of life skills, such as
how to work together to accomplish a goal like building
a fort. Free play outdoors stimulates imaginations and
encourages children to think beyond rules and scores;
taking the time to think things through, try alternatives,
solve problems, build confidence and enhance resilience.
Experts also point to the rich opportunity to use all of our
senses when outdoors: seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling
and touching the wonders of nature.
Of course, being outdoors encourages all of us to
be more physically active through walking, running,
skipping, cycling, climbing or any other form of
movement. Increased physical activity lowers blood
pressure and cholesterol, lowers body fat, improves bone
and muscle strength and lowers stress.
Many families are living with the challenge of raising
children who are anxious, moody or have a difficult time
focusing. There is some evidence that "nature therapy"
is helpful to some children by enhancing their ability to focus, feel calm and be in control of their emotions and
behaviour.
The Nature Action Collaborative for Children is a
worldwide movement that is committed to re-connecting
children with nature. There is a group of local advocates
of the movement who have formed the Manitoba
chapter with memberships that include early childhood
educators, naturalists, teachers and others. Their
enthusiasm and commitment to the cause has spawned a
variety of creative projects such as a two-week outdoor
childcare program. Staff of the program have embraced
the Norwegian saying, "There is no such thing as
bad weather, only bad clothing," and
parents send the children to the
program fully prepared to be
outside all day. One staff member
of the outdoor program marvels
at the children's love of the
neighbourhood creek. "Our kids
wade barefoot in the cool waters . . . they climb the trees . . . they catch frogs and
float makeshift boats down its small rapids. It's a
magical place."
Richard Louv, journalist and author of the book "Last
Child in the Woods," first published in 2005, coined the
provocative term "nature-deficit disorder" to describe
what he encountered in his research on children across
the United States and the effects of their disconnection
with nature. The research that was gathered for the book
not only highlights the benefits to children, it goes on
to say that children's engagement with the outdoors
is actually necessary for their physical and emotional
development. The latest edition of the book describes
hundreds of actions that families and communities can
take to rebuild our connection to the natural world.
So where do we begin the process of re-connecting
with nature? How can we provide our children with rich
opportunities to explore nature and reap the benefits that
the outdoors offers?
Begin by taking some small steps. Don't let the cooler
weather of fall stop your family from enjoying the
outdoors. At first, parents and caregivers may need to
encourage and support children as they try new things
outside. Go for a walk in the neighbourhood and be sure
to stop and notice the details. What kind of tree is this?
Look at the colours of the leaves, listen to that interesting
bird call and feel the coolness of the grass.
Even urban centres have pockets of nature if one takes
the time to look. Depending on the children's ages,
you can work up to taking longer hikes or increase the
challenge by trying something new like canoeing.
If you are not sure where to begin, explore outdoor
spaces such as the Assiniboine Forest, FortWhyte Alive,
and city and provincial parks such as the Living Prairie
Museum or Little Mountain Park. Why not check out
the exciting new Nature Playground at Assiniboine Park
featuring pathways, tunnels, sand and water play areas,
rolling hills and a lookout crow's nest?
Some of these sites have programs or staff who can
help introduce you to the great outdoors in a fun way, or
check out their websites for ideas. Always dress for the
weather, wear proper footwear and bring a few supplies
such as a jacket, water and a few snacks so that the
nature trekkers are comfortable and happy.
Remember that the adventure does not need to be
structured. Lie on a blanket and look at the clouds to see
what shapes you can make out, climb a sturdy old tree
and use it as a lookout or dig a small hole and look for
earthworms. Just be open to the possibilities and enjoy
the experience with the children in your life. It's an
inexpensive way to have fun and create stories and
memories, while enhancing your health and wellbeing.
Laurie McPherson is a mental health
promotion co-ordinator with the
Winnipeg Health Region.

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About Wave
Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.
Read the Sept. / Oct. 2011 issue of Wave |
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