Kids should experience nature

In the 1950s TV shows “Lassie” and “The Andy Griffith Show” young boys Timmy (Jon Provost) and Opie (Ron Howard) were always running around outside, saving people or going fishing. Whether having fun or encountering danger (Timmy’s in the well!), they were outside a lot. Today, for city and suburban kids to spend time outside things must be planned and supervised. Hours and hours are spent indoors, with eyes on the screen for school, play and socializing. That puts a strain on kids.

According to a recent study from the University of Hong Kong, 16 percent of preschoolers in Hong Kong, and up to 22 percent in China, show signs of mental health problems. The numbers are almost identical in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 (that’s 20 percent) of American children ages 3 through 17 — about 15 million — have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder in any given year. What can be done?

Members of the World Health Organization met in Parma, Italy, in 2010 and came up with the Parma Declaration to help improve children’s physical and mental health. One solution: decrease the current epidemic of naturedeficit and child-nature-disconnectedness. Research has clearly shown that being connected to nature — or not — affects a child’s psychological functioning and well-being.

So, spend time in a park, green space or recreation area with your child every day. You’ll see improvements in mood, attention, sleep quality and schoolwork! Chances are you’ll have fun, too!