BY Melba Newsome • POSTED September 8 2010 AT 1:50 pm
When the “Snowmegeddon” blizzard brought the Washington, DC area to a standstill last winter, Alison Risso went door to door in her neighborhood recruiting kids to come outside and play. The reluctance she initially encountered faded once the snow games began and lasted for hours.
Pushing kids to get outside is what Risso does as communications director of KaBOOM! a national nonprofit dedicated to creating a place to play within walking distance of every child in America. KaBOOM! was founded in 1995 by Darell Hammond on the principle that outdoor activities play a critical role in how kids develop physically, socially, and emotionally. It also encourages them to take risks, stretch their imaginations and explore their interests.
Unfortunately, much of the free time that kids used to spend being creative, active and fascinated by nature is now spent in front of some kind of screen. A study from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 8-18 year-olds spend an average of 53 hours a week with a telephone, computer, television or some other electronic device. The results have been disastrous.
“We’re seeing children who don’t know how to navigate social situations, entertain themselves or initiate play,” says Risso. “They constantly expect to be supervised, entertained or have parents intervene on their behalf.”
An abundance of research shows that kicking kids out will do more than give mom and the computer a break. In addition to helping kids maintain a healthier weight, outdoor play has many other health benefits.
One study concluded that spending time in green settings reduces symptoms of ADHD. According to a study in Pediatrics more than 70 percent of children have a vitamin D, which can result in higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol. More sunshine is one key way to combat a vitamin D deficiency. A study in Optometry and Vision Science found that spending two to three hours a day outdoors can reduce a child’s risk of developing myopia or nearsightedness.
If losing weight, reducing high blood pressure, boosting good cholesterol and improving vision aren’t good enough motivators to get your kids outside, there’s one more thing deficiency: it’s fun.
CONNECT THE DOTS
The Obama administration proclaimed June “National Great Outdoors Month.” Each summer, the National Park Service offers free admission at numerous parks during three weekends to boost visitation. The National Forestry Service encourages children and their families to personally experience nature and outdoor opportunities to foster a desire to protect and preserve our natural resources. Learn more about their programs to connect kids to nature and the great outdoors. KaBOOM! has built more than 1800 playgrounds around the country. Visit the site to find out where locations are or how you can volunteer to help build a play space in your area.
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