Why nature is so good for our kids
In today’s society we are seeing children and adolescents spending their time indoors on screens and electronics with less time spent outdoors. With the shift to online learning for many students, this has only increased time spent indoors on screens. Experts report that with excessive time spent on screens it can negatively impact children’s physical, mental and social health. The good news for parents is that the solution is right outside your window!
Nature provides so many positive outcomes for children and their development. Research shows that for children, exposure to nature can:
Improve mental health and mood while reducing stress and anxiety
Promote resiliency through ‘risky play’ children learn their own comfort level and build their confidence when they accomplish new tasks
Boost cognitive function as nature promotes better concentration and allows children to be creative
Develop social skills by making friends, socializing and problem solving
Enhance sensory development with providing an array of sensory experiences such as animal sounds, the feeling of grass between your toes or the balance required to stay upright when a wave hits you.
A student perspective
In 2022, Sarah Flach joined our team as a MScOT student in her first year at Western. She lived at Larchwood Farm for the duration of her 8 week placement and was integral to our launch of the Nature OT Camp! During her time she worked on writing this article for the journal: Occupational Therapy Now. Her article was featured in the Jan/Feb 2023 Issue, Volume 26.1. Click on the image to read her reflection!
