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Getting Kids Outside

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All Kids Deserve Time in and with Nature

Today's kids are spending way too much time sitting instead of walking, texting instead of talking and playing on a computer rather than running around outside. We all know it. We all talk about it. Why aren't parents doing anything about it? Because most of them don't know what to do. They are afraid of strangers harming their children, of wild animals and diseases and they are afraid to let their kids wander off by themselves. It's not their fault. It's the world we live in, like it or not.

So what can we all do to help kids get outside to enjoy and experience nature more? I hope to give you lots of ideas here and invite you to tell us about your own successful projects and ideas as well.

Nature Deficit Disorder

or let's get the kids outside more....

First coined by author Richard Louv in his bestselling book "Last Child in the Woods" the expression Nature Deficit Disorder is linked to the fact that kids today just aren't getting their required daily dose of nature. They are not walking barefoot through the grass, lying in fields of flowers under a cloudless sky or catching frogs with their bare hands.

Parents concerned about their kids and their lack of contact with nature will find lots to talk and think about while reading this wonderful book.
Info about Last Child in the Woods
The ground breaking book by Richard Louv

Kids + Water = Great Time

Give the kids a net and a bucket...

Holding a scary looking but harmless spider crab

and let them loose in a pool of water whether it's at a pond or an ocean side tide pool and they'll have a blast! Most kids can explore areas like these for hours. Bring along a good guide book and don't forget that most bug sprays can be toxic to many little critters so if you're using bug spray on your hands, please don't pick up critters bare handed.

Always handle animals and plants with care, for both yours and their sake. Capturing animals respectfully, examining them and watching them in a bucket for a little while is an age old way for kids to get to know what lives nearby. Just let the animals go where you found them. Remember that many animals are territorial so try to replace them as close to where they came from as you can.

Some great websites to get you started

Sometimes it helps to feel like part of a larger community of like minds so here are some great websites, blogs, etc.
Children and Nature
Closely linked with Richard Louv, this site is the mother of all the others...
Mother Nature Network
Chock full of tips and ideas
Mother Nature's Child
info about this lovely film that is making the rounds
Nature for Kids
more tips and info
Children's Nature Institute
an oldie but goodie

My photos of kids in nature...

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Take a class or explore on your own?

If you are new to getting outside and exploring you may want to take a class or two. Many organizations and nature centers have lots of family activities and a family membership makes a great gift.

If you know your way around outside just take the kids and get out there. Don't forget to let them do some exploring on their own.

Some fun DVDs for those rainy days...

Sometimes you just can't get outside but you can still get inspired!
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How often do you and your family get outside in nature?

Drawing at the pond

Just a little poll to see how often families are getting outside...

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Great nature books for kids

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If you liked this lens....

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What are your family's favorite nature related Activities?

Does your family camp? Hike? Bicycle? Go exploring? Fishing? Bird watching? Tracking?

  • Rockett Jun 7, 2011 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    I think this is such an important topic!! My neighbor's granddaughter did over 500 text messages in one day. Yes DAY. That is NOT a healthy lifestyle. Great information! Thanks
  • capecodartandnature Jun 7, 2011 @ 1:36 pm | delete
    thanks for checking in and leaving a comment--living on the coast has always been great but I also always wanted to live on a creek ;-)
  • OhMe May 27, 2011 @ 8:00 am | delete
    We live on a creek and it sure has provided many hours of enjoyment for my grandson and I as well as the neighborhood kids.
  • TamaraKajari May 6, 2011 @ 12:52 pm | delete
    We bicycle and spend long summers at the coast (seaside). Living in a flat makes us want to go out more I guess :)
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My Cape Cod Art and Nature Blog

I live on Cape Cod and update my blog almost daily with what is going on outside in nature so please stop by. Perfect for families, classrooms and homeschoolers. Content is family friendly, full of pictures and has links to more detailed information on each subject.
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capecodartandnature

I am an artist, writer, naturalist and educator living on Cape Cod. I grew up in Hyannis and have spent more time wandering around outdoors than indoo... more »

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