Updated: July 28, 2020
Originally Published: May 12, 2017
When my children are cooped up indoors all day, chaos ensues. Their initial lethargy quickly transforms into scattered toys and imaginative battles with plastic dinosaurs and cars throughout the house. As we homeschool, it’s not long before they start pleading: “Can we please go outside? What are we doing today?”
The ideal response is a trip to a nearby park, where ponds brim with life. Armed with nets, they chase after tadpoles in the spring and bullfrogs in the summer. They delight in catching minnows, squealing with joy as they leap from rocks and splash in the water. I find my peace beneath a pine tree, engrossed in a book with my dog by my side. Alternatively, we might hike to a local waterfall, where the sandstone reveals fossils, or explore areas where we can collect rocks or safely observe alligators. However, the waterfall remains their favorite destination.
If outdoor adventures are limited, we might visit a local splash pad, though my kids only appreciate it when the heat becomes unbearable. On weekends, we embark on river excursions, with the 7-year-old in a kayak while the younger ones share a canoe. These outings are essential; if my energetic boys, both of whom have ADHD, lack outdoor time, they turn our home upside down—and become miserable in the process.
An article by Jonathan Rivers in The City Herald cites Richard Louv, a prominent speaker at the Children and Nature Network International Conference, who highlights that children today are reporting increased attention issues and depression, often leading to higher medication rates. While I understand my sons’ ADHD—and even my own ADD and depression—aren’t solely caused by a disconnect from nature, I’ve noticed a significant difference in their focus and calmness on days we venture outdoors. The same applies to me; I feel more centered and joyful after a day on the water.
Research from the University of Illinois indicates that play in “green outdoor spaces” fosters creativity and alleviates ADHD symptoms. My children thrive when they can roam freely in these natural settings, engaging with sticks, crafting forts, and indulging their fascination with water. What they do during these outdoor escapades often remains a mystery to me, which is just how it should be. Nature provides them the opportunity to explore and create their own adventures without constant adult supervision and interference.
Harvard professor E.O. Wilson has observed that we possess an innate affinity for nature, a concept he refers to as biophilia. This inherent attraction is vital for our psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. It’s clear: children must connect with natural environments—be it green grass, sandy beaches, or rocky terrains—to foster their growth and creativity. They need to get muddy, marvel at swaying trees, and engage with their surroundings.
Structured sports, like soccer practice, don’t fulfill this need; while they may be outside, they lack the essence of wild play. Children must be allowed to experience the untamed aspects of nature to cultivate their own sense of wildness and curiosity.
While you may hesitate to let them start a fire, they can surely pretend. Even if certain critters, like tadpoles or worms, aren’t your cup of tea, providing nets for gentle capture and observation can spark their interest. Louv emphasizes that when children play together, they invent their own games and rules—an aspect of childhood that has diminished in urban settings.
To encourage this outdoor exploration, we may need to seek out other children for them to play with. We might also have to adjust our expectations regarding homework and structured activities, allowing room for spontaneous outdoor fun. Embracing a little dirt and mess is part of the journey; after all, mud and water are merely components of their exploration. We may encounter questions about nature that we can’t immediately answer, but these moments stimulate curiosity and learning. Ultimately, it’s crucial to prioritize outdoor time for our children—they deserve this connection to nature, which also benefits our well-being.
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Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of outdoor play for children’s development, especially for those with attention issues. It discusses the benefits of unstructured exploration in nature, advocating for parents to prioritize outdoor activities and embrace the messiness that comes with it.