While nature conservancy and various environmental organizations continue to take steps to curb nature-deficit disorder, parents often still feel at a loss in how to help their children connect. Not every child is born into a family that hikes or camps regularly, and then there’s the struggle with limiting screen time since most kids are loath to put away their devices.
To help kids connect with nature more, especially if you’re a family that isn’t particularly outdoorsy, it’s going to take some creative thinking and some exploration on everyone’s part. And it’s also going to require parents to let go a little. This means allowing your kids to climb a tree, go for a hike or find ways to help them connect with animal life. If you find the right activities, you can all get comfortable with nature and learn to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Los Padres Forest Association is dedicated to protecting the Los Padres Forest so that it stays safe and open for people to enjoy. Learn about our volunteering opportunities!
Children Need to Spend More Time Outdoors
Learn about the risks of too much time inside and why your kids should spend more time in nature.
Connecting Kids to Nature: We Need to Get Childhood Back Outside
Nature Deficit Disorder Has Real Consequences
Kids Need Adventure – Parents Need to Teach Them How
Backyard Fun
To start enjoying the benefits of nature, all you and your family need to do is open the door and step outside.
Parents — Stop Worrying and Let Your Children Climb Trees!
14 Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
How to Identify Different Types of Trees
Birding 101: Get Started Birding With Kids
How to Safely Observe Wildlife from Your Home
Set Up an Adventure!
Time in the backyard is great, but you can really immerse yourself in nature with these ideas.
Volunteer with the Los Padres Forest Association!
Preparing for Your First Family Hike
A Beginner’s Guide to Family Camping
7 Rules for Teaching Kids to Fish the Right Way
This list is barely the tip of the iceberg on ways to help your family connect with nature. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but don’t let a bad encounter or experience turn you off. Be open-minded and try everything. Before you know it, you’ll all be avid outdoor enthusiasts.
Article by Jenny Miller – StopNND.org