Kids shunning health benefits of their local parks, commons and greens
Experts say spending time outdoors is good for us all, so why are we ignoring the green spaces available to us?
Taking the family to the park has always been an easy way for parents in urban Britain to get their kids back to nature, but a new study shows we are now becoming such an indoor nation that even a walk to the park is proving too big a chore for the average family. This is despite experts now saying that there are proven physical and mental health benefits to exposing yourself and your children to green space.
Parents agree with the experts, as according to a report commissioned by Arla Foods as part of its Kids Closer to Nature campaign almost 80% of parents believe that kids need to be exposed to a bit of wind, rain and the elements for the good of their health and development.
The study also shows that over 70% of parents agree that their children are happier when they play outdoors.
So why is the reality that one in five families have only visited their local park, green space, or common once or twice in the last year?
And it gets worse, with well over one in ten families admitting they have not visited a park in the last year. Only a fifth of parents say they are regular weekly visitors to their local green space.
Is it a safety issue? Almost half of parents do say they worry about their children's safety when they play outside. However, if the family are together at the park then that risk is surely taken away.
Whatever the reasons, it's clear that many children are missing out on valuable and vital time in nature, which experts agree creates happier and healthier individuals.
I?m joined now by Chris Packham to reveal more from the report and to discuss how parents can help their children to get out into Britain's green spaces and reconnect with nature
Get your kids back playing in the Great Outdoors
Watch our web TV show to find out how to get your kids away from the computer screen and back playing outdoors, tantrum free.
If you worry about the amount of time your children spend in front of the TV or computer screen, and wonder why they’re not spending their time playing outside like you used to, you’re not alone. However wanting your kids to get outside more and being able to drag them away from the dreaded screen, without tantrums or sullen faces, can be an arduous task.
Playing in the Great Outdoors is not only great for children’s mental well-being, it also helps physical fitness as well as developing their immune systems. Not to mention the long-term life skills associated with understanding more about nature. But telling your children it’s ‘good for them’ simply won’t cut it when their favourite TV programme is on or they’ve almost completed their favourite computer game. And if you do let them outside, their safety can often be a worry as often the last thing they want to do is be seen hanging around Mum and Dad.So, how do you convince your children that playing outdoors is not only better for them, but also more fun than being sat in front of the box? What’s the best way to ensure your children are safe when you eventually get them outside, without cramping their style? What can you do to make nature ‘cool’ and something they want to learn about and embrace?For all the answers to these questions, and more, TV nature Guru Chris Packham and Natural England Strategic Health Adviser Dr William Bird join us for a web TV show for the ultimate answers to these questions.
