If you look at the world your children are growing up in compared to the world you grew up in, you will notice that there are some marked differences. Technology is the big player here, with the modern world being full of fantastic digital enhancements that can have a hugely positive impact on our children’s lives. However, the avalanche of tech that our children have thrown at them from a very young age is not ALWAYS a good thing.
During those early years of development, children are hyper-aware of their surroundings and are easily influenced by whatever is around them. If tech surrounds them, there is a high likelihood that they will end up becoming dependent on it for entertainment and mental stimulation. When you were a child, on the other hand, you probably spent a lot of time playing outdoors in nature. This is something that scientists and child behaviorists alike agree is still important for children in 2017, as being immersed in nature can lift a child’s mood and keep them physically healthy too. In addition, having an appreciation and respect for nature is something that is beneficial to your child throughout their entire life, even beyond their childhood years. Here are a few ways you can start to incorporate the natural world into your family home, to help your kids see that there is life beyond the big screen.
Bring home souvenirs from the natural world
Are you lucky enough to live near a beach, or near a stretch of woodland? Next time you go there on a family walk, set your children a task of collecting stones, plants (if you are allowed to pick the wildflowers) and bits of wood to bring home and make a terrarium with. Pieces of driftwood also make excellent wall hangings and will serve as a constant reminder of your trips to the great outdoors.
Makeover your garden
It’s astonishing how many families neglect their gardens when they are an excellent tool for encourages kids to spend more time outdoors. Limit the amount of time your children spend on their consoles and see these helpful hints for creating a garden they are going to want to play in. You might want to add on a climbing frame or a trampoline, or simply trim back your overgrown hedges for an open space they can happily run around in.
Get green-fingered
The days where most people grew their own food are long gone. However, that does not mean that it is still not important that you children know where their food comes from (clue – it is not from a packet!). Make room in your garden for a little vegetable patch that you and your children can tend together – they will love the satisfaction of knowing that they grew what is on the table for dinner. Alternatively, get them an herb garden each for them to grow on their windowsills. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they look decorative, too.
its a very easy process to teach kids the benefit of gardening.
Kids love working with their hands and being outside it is also a great bonding time with the kids
Good read