Why Do Children Need To Spend Time In Nature? This Is An Expert Explanation
JAKARTA - Recent studies have revealed the benefits of spending time outdoors, both for children and adults. Whether outdoors, or in an environment with lots of trees, both have good health benefits.
Despite these nuances, most researchers agree that children who play outdoors are shown to be smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than children who spend more time indoors. While it's not clear exactly how cognitive function and mood-boosting occur, there are a few things you need to know about why nature is good for children's minds.
Build confidenceThe way children play in nature has far less structure than most types of indoor play. There are many ways to interact with the great outdoors, from backyards to parks to hiking trails or nearby lakes. Parents are only tasked with letting the child choose how he treats nature with his own actions.
Increase creativity and imaginationThis unstructured play style also allows children to interact meaningfully with their surroundings. Kids can think more freely, design their own activities, and approach the world in innovative ways.
Teach responsibilityLiving things die if they are treated badly or not properly cared for. Entrusting children to take care of the living things that live in nature is the same as teaching them to learn responsibility by watering plants or knowing the risks if flowers are pulled from the roots.
Give a different stimulusNature may seem less attractive than video games. But the truth is, playing in nature can activate more senses. For example, can see, hear, smell, and touch the outside environment. “The less time young people spend in open environments, the narrower their senses will be.” says Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. "And this can reduce the human experience interacting with nature," closed Louv.
It gets the kids movingMost ways of interacting with nature involve more movement than sitting. Children don't have to join the local soccer team or cycle through the park. Just walking outdoors can get his blood pumping. Exercise is not only good for children's bodies, it can make them more focused, which is especially beneficial for children with ADHD.
Sharpen the child's mindLouv says that nature creates a unique sense of wonder for children. Natural phenomena that occur in yards and gardens every day make children wonder about the earth and life in it.