Op-Ed: Tell Nature-Deficit Disorder to Take a Hike

Tell Nature-Deficit Disorder to Take a Hike
with These Kid-Friendly Outdoor Adventures

Most parents today have heard the warnings about why it’s best to limit screen time for kids. Unlimited screen time certainly isn’t great for a child’s development, but that’s not the only reason to keep screen use in check. Nature-deficit disorder is another problem that has cropped up in recent years as kids are spending less time outdoors. Here’s what you need to know about nature deficit disorder and how it impacts kids, as well as ideas to help get them to put the screens down and head outdoors.

What Is Nature Deficit Disorder and How Does it Affect Kids?

Nature-Deficit Disorder: What Kids Lose by Not Experiencing the Outdoors Enough

Five Symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder, and How Mindfulness Can Help

Being in Nature as a Kid Is Linked to Better Mental Health in Adulthood

Studies Show Spending Time in Nature Can Improve Children’s Attention Spans

Ideas to Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard

How to Set Up Natural Play Spaces in Your Backyard

Tips for Storm Watching with Your Kids

15 Ideas for a Children’s Discovery Garden

Home Science: Backyard Conservation

7 Mind-Blowing Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

An Easy Cure for Nature-Deficit Disorder: Go Play Outside!

How to Foster a Love of Nature — Close to Home and Far Away

How to Teach Your Kids to Love Nature

Take Your Kids Hiking: 10 Tips to Make the Adventure Fun for the Whole Family

Top 10 Outdoor Family Adventure Destinations

4 Tips When Mountain Biking with Your Child

Volunteer With Your Family to Support North County Land Trust’s Conservation Efforts

The great news for busy parents is that avoiding nature-deficit disorder really is simple. We love the idea of taking family trips that give you opportunities for outdoor adventures, but it’s just as beneficial to get a healthy dose of nature right in your own backyard. With these ideas in hand, why not set a new family goal for time spent outside? Who needs screen time? Now you can start tracking how much nature time your family racks up.

Article credit: Jenny Miller, https://stopndd.org/
Photo credit: Rawpixel