How to Safeguard Your Family Against Nature-Deficit Disorder

This article is written and submitted by Emily Graham from Mighty Moms.

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Nature-Deficit Disorder refers to the idea that kids these days are so disconnected from the outdoors that they’re suffering as a result. With video games being more popular than ever, not to mention the rise of binge-watching on streaming networks, it’s not hard to see that there is a lot of truth behind this claim. Fortunately, being aware of the problem is the first step in helping your children avoid it. The following resources from Lena Ralene can help you get started.

Take Advantage of Your Backyard 

In many cases, you don’t even have to leave your home to have some great outdoor fun!

● Gardening is a great way to experience nature and teach children about how to grow beautiful flowers and tasty foodstuffs.

● Looking for an unusual outside activity?  Try storm spotting for fun and to teach your kids a bit about meteorology!

● To give your kids an introduction to basic construction principles, consider building your own backyard playground as a fun learning project.

● Already have playground equipment in your yard? A growing number of families are adding  backyard climbing walls to keep their kids active.

Look for Community Activities 

Along with using your backyard, be sure to see what kind of activities your community has to offer. 

● To get your kids thinking about their sense of community, check out this list of 50 volunteering activities your family can explore in your own neighborhood.

● If gardening at home works for your family, a visit to your local public market will probably be entertaining and engaging.

● Think about exploring the great outdoors at one of Canada’s beloved National Parks.

Help Your Child Find a Sport

Playing an outdoor sport can yield lots of physical, mental and emotional health benefits for kids.

● If your kids are interested in sports, help them find the best sports fit for their interests and abilities.

● Is biking a family favorite? If so, teaching your child to ride a bike is an important activity to explore.

● These days, soccer is one of the most popular sports for toddlers and older kids alike.

Help your child start realizing the benefits of spending time outdoors. Finding activities to do at home and in the community, taking family outings, and encouraging your child to try outdoor sports will benefit them in countless ways. In fact, your whole family can reap the health benefits of the great outdoors! 

Lena Ralene is a southern mom & wife. What began as a high school romance is now a fairytale love story – but it didn’t come easy. We are a homeschool family and have been doing so for five years now. It hasn’t always been an easy adventure but it is truly what’s best for our family so we continue to push through the ups and downs. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!