Make Every Day Go outside to connect with nature Are your kids always inside and glued to screens? Do you need inspiration to take your family outside more? There is tons of research on the importance of connecting with nature. And with San Diego’s amazing weather, beautiful natural landscapes and great local resources, it’s easy to increase outdoor time. Earth Day is Monday, April 22, but consider making every day Earth Day! Richard Louv, San Diego County resident and co-founder of the Children & Nature Network, coined the term “nature deficit disorder” in his best-selling book Last Child in the Woods. Through extensive research, he learned that because kids today spend fewer hours outside engaged in unstructured play, they feel less connected to their natural surroundings. In order for kids to care about nature and be willing to conserve and protect it, they need to connect to it. Louv cites a Harvard study that found humans are genetically wired to connect to nature. When we lose that connection, it affects our well-being. Nature-deficit disorder is caused by over-development of natural areas, the pull of electronics, and parents less willing to let kids take risks than previous generations. Environmental educators, conservationists and doctors are combatting nature-deficit disorder with scientific evidence to back them. In 2010, Louv delivered the keynote address at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference. He encouraged pediatricians to prescribe time in nearby parks and open spaces to help families heal a variety of ills. A 2016 study conducted in North Carolina showed that when children spend time outdoors they experience fewer symptoms of mental health issues, myopia and asthma. cont.on p. 32
30 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2019
Cherie Gough