Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been struggling with more health issues than ever before. Their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being have all been impacted, in part by the increase of technology use brought on by the pandemic. Children and teens are experiencing weakened attention spans, less emotional regulation, eye strain, social isolation, and increases in both depression and anxiety. In addition, they have become less physically fit and more sedentary.
Research shows that when children spend time outdoors and connect with nature, their health and well-being is impacted in positive ways such as:
- Less stress
- Improved focus and attention
- Increase in physical activity
- More creativity
Additionally, spending time in nature creates a sense of stewardship of the earth.
In honor of Earth Day and for the health and well-being of your children, spend some time outdoors as a family this weekend. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer by enjoying one of the many parks, trails or beaches that are so abundant on Long Island.
For more information, please look at the resources below.
“Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature” by Danielle Cohen, published on the Child Mind Institute website
https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/
also available in Spanish
https://childmind.org/es/articulo/por-que-los-ninos-necesitan-pasar-tiempo-en-la-naturaleza/
“Six Ways Nature Helps Children Learn” by Ming Kuo, published in Greater Good Magazine
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_ways_nature_helps_children_learn
“Raising Children to be Stewards of the Earth” Lesley University
https://lesley.edu/article/raising-children-to-be-stewards-of-the-earth
“Children and Nature: Do you support the connection?” Penn State Extension Better Kid Care
http://bkc-od-media.vmhost.psu.edu/documents/TIPS0709.pdf
Hiking Parks in Suffolk County
https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Things-To-Do/Hiking
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.