Enjoy Your Vacation - Memories Are Made of This Enjoy Your Vacation - Memories Are Made of This | Page 10

In the last few decades, children are spending less and less time outdoors and more time cooped-up
inside. You may remember playing outside until dinnertime as a child. More than ever, with all the
technological distractions, it is important to encourage your family to spend time outside together.
There are many proven benefits of outdoor activities on your children’s development. In addition,
sharing outdoor activities together also strengthens your family bond. Whether it is planning a day trip
to a state park or spending time in your own backyard, it makes no difference where you go, as long as
you are outside.
1. It helps the whole family unplug
In this technological age, it is hard to have some quality family time without someone being attached to
their smart phone, tablet or laptop. I know from personal experience that my family (including myself)
can spend a whole day glued to our various gadgets and only come up for air during mealtimes.
Spending time in nature is a great remedy to combat being gadget dependent for everyone in your
family. Plan a day trip to somewhere that has limited reception and then declare that this trip is gadget
free. You may hear some opposition, but once you get to the destination, everyone will be too busy
looking out the window to remember to complain.
2. It can aid in reducing your child’s ADHD symptoms
An increasingly popular alternative treatment for children with ADHD is a technique called “green time”
or “green space therapy.” This method simply involves playing outdoors or activities that take place
anywhere outside, whether it is a park or backyard. Environmental scientist believes that a child can
increase their attention span by being in an environment that reduces many of the distractions that
normally occur in their day to day life. The American Journal of Public Health conducted a study which
required them to interview 452 children with ADHD and their parents. The parents were asked whether