Connecting Young Children to Nature

Connecting young children to nature has become lesser and lesser in years. Though it is essential to lessen indoor activities and find time to allow children to explore nature on their own, parents have become very protective of their children thus giving them little if no time outdoors. Prevention from obesity, promotion of self-discipline and focus are just some of the reason why it is necessary for this connection to be established. It also improves attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and promotes improvements in mental well-being and activity

"More kids today are interested in the natural world than ever before; they watch it on the telly, they may well visit a nature reserve or a National Trust site with their families," said Stephen Moss, naturalist, broadcaster and author, "But far fewer are experiencing it directly, on their own or with their friends, and that's what counts: this is about more than nature", according to The Guardian.

As technology is developing, children are being set up on what seems to be an indulgent cage for them. Unknowingly, parents are depriving them of their right to experience nature as how grownups have experienced before. But they cannot be blamed, as it is not the same safe environment that people live in now that's why parents find it better to have everything a child needs right inside their homes, according to White Hutchinson.

But if you were to ask a person on their most unforgettable childhood experiences, they will be telling about the games they had outdoors with nature. The times spent without adult supervision wherein they have set their own pace and rule of the game, according to

There is still hope for children's exploratory nature learning. Since kids can not have that access to nature, schools ground's can be their primary way to the natural environment, at least until they are ready for a real life wild adventure. Through these avenues, children can be taught about love for nature which will later lead them to responsibility and accountability, according to NAEYC.