From vitamin D deficiencies and memory & concentration issues to youth substance use and other at-risk behaviors, the hazards of not spending enough time outdoors are vast—especially in children. To assist you in getting your kids outside and protecting them from the many dangers of nature-deficit disorder, we’ve assembled the following list of outdoor activities, DIY projects, and nature-based learning opportunities. From exploring nature in your own backyard to learning about sustainability, nature helps to build resilience and resistance to youth substance use and releases endorphins, which helps ward off depression in children and adolescents.
Read on to learn more!
Just Say Something is dedicated to helping parents and children have open, honest, and ongoing conversations about substance use. Help us encourage youth to choose a better future!
With so many things to see and do in your own backyard, the last thing your kids will want to do is to sit inside and play another game on their mobile devices!
Five Ways to Get Kids Interested in Animal Prints and Tracking
23 Garden Activities to Build a Children’s Garden in Your Backyard
9 Great Outdoor Learning Activities for Springtime
14 Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
Learn How to Explore the Nighttime Sky with Your Kids
By introducing your kids to the many things Mother Earth has to offer, you’ll protect them from at-risk behaviors like youth substance use while also helping to raise environmentally conscious children.
Explore the Benefits of Community Gardens and Learn How to Start Your Own
Turn Your Backyard Into a Safe Haven for Bees & Butterflies
Encourage Green Habits by Making a DIY Compost Bin
Collect Rainwater to Harvest Your Family Garden
Practice Stewardship by Cleaning Up Your Neighborhood
Get Involved with a Local Gleaning Organization
By limiting the amount of time your kids spend on their mobile devices and instead encouraging them to head outdoors for an hour or two each day, you’ll prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors, and you’ll raise successful, substance-free children who care about the environment. Your kids may protest at first, but they’ll one day thank you for keeping them busy with constructive activities and teaching them to appreciate and value the natural world we live in.
Written by Just Say Something Guest Writer, Laura Pearson
Edutude.net = Where education has an attitude!
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