With the rise of modern technology, many families (including children) are spending the majority of their time indoors. Studies are revealing, however, that families who spend more time outside are happier, healthier, and even smarter. Some studies also support that it can even help children and adults cope with the symptoms of ADHD and depression. Here’s how to help your family cut back on the “screen time” and enjoy more “green time.”
What is “Screen Time?”
Screen time is, as the name implies, time spent in front of a screen. This includes TV’s, phones, tablets, and video game consoles. We as a generation are spending more more time in front of screens–more than any other generation. According to the CDC, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that kids ages 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours in front of a screen every day for entertainment. This doesn’t include the hours they spend with a screen for homework or during the school day for schoolwork.
Why is Screen Time So Bad?
Physical Risks
Too much screen time can have a negative impact on children’s and adults’ health. This is why many families choose to limit screen time at home. According to another study published by the CDC, increased screen time often means increased sedentary time, which can lead to higher risks of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Cognitive and Behavioral Risks
A separate study, published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), found that excessive screen time can put children more at risk for developing issues with executive functioning, language development, sleep disorders, as well as emotional and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. As children have fewer quality verbal interactions with others, they risk language development issues. They may also struggle with regulating their emotions and working their way through real-life problems. Light from electronic screens can also interfere with sleep. The study states “[Screen time] has raised the likelihood that children will become obese, experience behavioral problems, sleep irregularities, poor academic performance, etc.”
I think all parents would agree that too much screen time is not a good thing for their children. So what can we do? Limiting screen time with parental controls and boundaries is a good start. However, we all know that children will soon complain about being bored once we take away their main source of entertainment. Establishing green time in place of screen time could become a healthy solution to this problem.
What is “Green Time?”
Green time is any quality time spent outdoors. It could be as simple as taking a walk in the park, enjoying a family bike ride, or watching the sunset and the stars. On the other hand, if your family is more adventurous, it could be a long hiking or backpacking trip, or a fishing or hunting excursion. No matter how you choose to pursue it, the important part is to get away from the urban or “man-made” setting and find time in a more natural environment.
Why is Green Time So Important?
Increased green time has been linked to many health benefits in adults and children alike.
Green Time Increases Physical Activity
Spending time outdoors encourages children (and adults) to explore and interact with their physical surroundings. This promotes physical activity, which of course, has multiple health benefits.
Green Time Releases Anxiety
Several studies have claimed that simply spending time in a natural setting can boost mood. Some even state that the negative ions more common in the forest air can relieve anxiety and have a therapeutic effect for those struggling with depression.
Green Time Develops Life Skills
Interacting with their physical environment challenges children to solve problems and persevere in solving them. It improves their decision-making skills as they learn to find creative solutions. These skills are critical to future success. One source states that perseverance, decision-making, and problem-solving are often indicators of future success in children.
Green Time Helps Manage Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
The Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) has recognized the beneficial effects of nature on those with ADD/ADHD. According to the organization’s website, natural environments divert us from stressful task-oriented situations and turn us towards unstructured fascination. This gives the executive functions a much needed “break” to recharge. Enjoying time in nature can be a literal “reset.” Think of it as a fidget toy for your brain.
“Think of green time as a fidget toy for your brain.”
–Mountain State Mama
Ways to Enjoy Green Time With Your Family
There are so many ways to help your family get more green time. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Go Birdwatching
Go to the local library and check out books about the local birds and wildlife in your area. Then go to the park or a rural setting and see if you can identify any wildlife you spot. Encourage kids to take photos or even journal about their adventure! They can record anything at all, from a rare bird to a cool rock they found. Encourage kids not to take anything home though. This is a good opportunity to teach your children Leave No Trace Principles–”leave what you find.”
Take a Walk, Bike Ride, or Hike
Going on a family outing can do more than expose you and your children to a natural setting. You also get the opportunity to engage in meaningful quality conversations. Consider going to the park for a nice walk or bike ride together, or find a local trail and take a short hike together. Just be sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated and some healthy snacks.
Go Camping
This is a more adventurous option, but a family camping outing trip can be a wonderful experience. You will get the chance to bond, plan, and solve problems as a family. Make sure you plan ahead and take everything you will need before going out. For more information on family camping, check out these sources: [Link]
If the idea of camping as a family sounds like too grand of an undertaking for your family, consider going on a picnic instead. Each family member can even help choose their own food to bring. Make sure the destination is somewhere kid-friendly, like your local nature park.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Turn the outdoors experience into a real-life video game! Create a scavenger hunt including items often found in nature. Make sure to choose items that can be easily (and safely) found by children. You might choose to include a fun prize for the winner to get the little ones excited!
Go fishing
If your family is okay with the idea, go on a family fishing trip! Look online for local places that allow This can be a great opportunity to teach your kids patience and listening skills. Make sure you have the proper gear and rig before you go, to increase the chances of success (and fun). If you are new to fishing, you may want to check out some of these sources for ideas on how to get started: [sources]
Build an Outdoor Fort Together
This is one that you can easily do in your backyard with some chairs and blankets! Use your imagination, anything goes! When your fort is finished, you could spend time together reading or telling stories. If you have a large backyard, consider making your fort out of found natural objects like branches, bark, leaves, and grass! You’ll be teaching your kids the valuable skill of building a shelter, which may come in handy someday. Also, if you make it out of natural materials, you can keep it up and use it again in the future.
Sit By the Fire
If you have a fire pit or a large backyard, consider lighting a bonfire! You could roast hot dogs and marshmallows and make s’mores, or simply sit and talk. This could be a valuable opportunity to communicate as a family and tell stories.
Quiet Time Outside
This is an option that almost anyone can do. Even if you only have a small yard or no yard at all, simply being outside can bring health benefits. Doing homework outside can help children concentrate and focus more on their work. Consider going outside with your child and reading a book while they have their quiet time outdoors.
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How does your family enjoy green time together? Comment below!
