Connecting Today's Kids With Nature

"Go outside and play." Most of us remember hearing those four little words throughout our childhood. It is not possible for us to imagine childhood without powerful memories of climbing trees, exploring the neighborhood, or just watching the clouds.

Yet recent research shows that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. - Excerpt from Connecting Today's Kids with Nature

National Wildlife Federation's 2008 report, Connecting Today's Kids with Nature, investigates the reasons why children are spending less time outdoors, what's at stake as a result of this problem, and practical solutions to this growing epidemic that is sweeping the country.

What's at Stake?

• Health of our children: Research has linked childhood obesity to a lack of playtime outdoors. Although physical activity through organized sports can help, unstructured time outside has unique health benefits. Spending time in nature can improve academic performance, concentration, coordination, self-esteem, and more.

• Economy: Costs of the childhood obesity epidemic to our public health systems could reach $100 billion annually.

• Future of American conservation: Children who spend time in nature are more likely to have pro-environmental attitudes as adults.

Solutions

• Advocate for environmental education in schools

• Promote outdoor play through our public health systems

• Increase opportunities for outdoor play through better planning of recreational areas

• Encourage parents to build in regular time for outdoor play - a Green Hour^®

Download the full report today to find out more about what you can do to help connect kids with nature on a regular basis! (This is a PDF document that is 3.6 Mb in size.)