Less contact with nature

[Jolt]

Interesting article; I had heard similar things before. I definitely think parents should encourage their kids to spend time outside being active and limit "screen time", which is OK in moderation but most kids have too much of it. When I was growing up in the 80's and 90's, I spent a lot of time playing outside in our yard or with the neighbor kids, as did my younger sisters. We rode bikes, skated, climbed trees, dug in the dirt and looked for bugs and other creepy-crawlies under rocks, had water fights and played other games. We did watch some TV (well, I usually preferred to read) but didn't have Nintendo or anything like that, and weren't really interested. Of course, we were fortunate to live in safe neighborhoods where parents weren't afraid to let their kids play outside; I realize that's not the case for everyone and that is part of the problem in some areas. What do you think is the best way to improve the situation?

[Jolt]

I think most adults don't want to be outside, either!

Definitely--sad but true!!! They don't know what they're missing...

[Crankin]

Jolt, when I taught in Shrewsbury, we had an environment unit in the fall (7th grade). There was a habitat on campus where we took the kids and they had to i.d. different things and draw them. I was shocked by the reaction of some of the kids, boys especially, who had just moved from Worcester. They were afraid to get wet in the stream and wouldn't touch a lot of stuff. They had never experienced any of this! I think one way to solve this is to make sure all kids, even kids who live in the city, have the chance to play in the woods! It doesn't have to be in school, but a lot of those kids had gone to the Boys and Girl's Club or other community programs where they just stay inside. I mean these kids jumped back and stood by the side and said "eeew." They were not being obstinate, they were really afraid.

[Jolt]

Jolt, when I taught in Shrewsbury, we had an environment unit in the fall (7th grade). There was a habitat on campus where we took the kids and they had to i.d. different things and draw them. I was shocked by the reaction of some of the kids, boys especially, who had just moved from Worcester. They were afraid to get wet in the stream and wouldn't touch a lot of stuff. They had never experienced any of this! I think one way to solve this is to make sure all kids, even kids who live in the city, have the chance to play in the woods! It doesn't have to be in school, but a lot of those kids had gone to the Boys and Girl's Club or other community programs where they just stay inside. I mean these kids jumped back and stood by the side and said "eeew." They were not being obstinate, they were really afraid.

Wow, that is unbelievable. Making sure all kids are exposed to nature and get to play in the woods is definitely a good idea. I think I would have been shocked at those kids' reaction too--I can see how you might have one or two kids stand back and say "ew, yuck" (such as a few of the prissier girls) but sounds like this was a high percentage of the kids and not just a few. Sounds like those community programs need to add some outdoor activities to their offerings.

[nancy sv]

I blogged about that article the other day!! (http://familyonbikes.org/blog/?p=126) I just find it so sad that most kids aren't getting out at all. I'm hoping our bike tour will encourage a few families to get out and do something!