What are your kids doing this Summer? For many of us, Summertime with the kids is a time to enjoy the outdoors, the sunshine, and if you’re lucky the ocean.
As much as kids love Summer holidays, keeping them busy can be a real chore! If you’ve not got the luxury of a Summer camp then it’s up to you as parents to find things for the youngsters to keep busy with.
Failing that, your kids might spend all their time in front of a computer, tablet, phone, or other screen and research has shown that spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of children.
Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, a daily walk in nature has shown decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.
One in four people is estimated to experience bouts of mental ill-health and it’s on the rise. Prescription medication of antidepressants is also at a record high level and the demand for more invasive treatments is also on the rise. Health and social care commissioners are examining and commissioning different options for cost-effective services for mental health and one of these options is a daily walk of 90 minutes or more. We
need to learn from the past when kids got excited to spend their time climbing trees and building dens rather than spending hours inside.
Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well and has put together an infographic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.
This is what it looks like:
From baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel, there’s plenty for the youngsters to get up to. Head on over to his site
for step-by-step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.
About Joe
An outdoor enthusiast, Joe is the lead editor at Nature Rated; a website that rates and reviews the best outdoor gear for people who quickly want to know what to get. He believes in no fluff, to-the-point reviews, which help you choose the right gear for your next adventure. Whenever daily life gets him down he heads to the nearest lake or river with his kayak and camera spending time recharging his batteries.
Thank you for telling me that letting my children play video games all day can have a detrimental effect on their own health and isn’t considered good for their well-being. My sons play inside their room all day and only go out if they were to eat or take a bath. It might be better if I can find some summer camps that will encourage them to spend time outside the house and meet new friends.
I am also sure lots of kids and their parents will find it useful. I can’t wait to try them out with my son.Thanks for the sharing such a useful article.
I am also sure lots of kids and their parents will find it useful. I can’t wait to try them out with my son.Thanks for the sharing such a useful article.