bio*phil*ia \ n.\
The human desire to spend time outdoors among plants and trees.
In the past twenty years, there has been a 50% decrease in the amount of time American kids are spending outdoors. Instead, they are watching TV, playing video games and surfing the internet....for more than SIX HOURS a day. Six hours!! And at the same time, the childhood obesity rates are skyrocketing,and more and more children are going on medication for ADHD, depression and anxiety.
Is the solution as simple as sending your kids outside to play? I'm not sure. But before the desert sun is scorching us to oblivion, my kiddos will be out and about as much as possible (slathered in eco friendly sunscreen of course!) This I know for sure...
Mud is better than TV. Mud is better than cookies. Mud is better than everything!
Puddle jumping is one of the finest forms of exercise.
The crook of a tree is an excellent vantage point for dropping pebbles on your parents.
Momma will never say no to running if it's done outside.
You are allowed to eat things covered in dirt if you dig it out of the garden.
You can scribble all over the floor if it can be washed with a hose.
Sometimes, it's just nice to hold someone's hand an go for a walk.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!!
Enjoyed this! Funny we spend so much time outside I get little done inside and feel bad..lol
ReplyDeleteI recently read Last Child in the Woods which talks about this exactly!
ReplyDeleteRichard Louv is amazing. Saw him speak a few years back when his book first came out. I believe whole heartedly that not getting kids outside more is a huge reason we have the problems that we have with our youth.
ReplyDeleteAs an environmental educator I work very hard to spread the message about just how important it is to get our little ones outside and to have a passion and interest for being out there!
Great post!!