Nature Deficit Disorder is a term that describes the negative effects of being disconnected with nature, especially for children. Research shows that when kids spend less time playing outside, their physical, mental, and spiritual health suffers. One way to combat this problem is to create natural places for kids to play. In this Nature at Home segment, we explore a few ideas for turning your backyard into an outdoor adventure center.
For more information on Nature Deficit Disorder and nature play for kids, visit these websites:
http://www.greenheartsinc.org/Nature_Play.html
http://www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/theimportanceofnatureplay.aspx
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200901/the-value-play-iv-play-is-nature-s-way-teaching-us-new-skills
http://richardlouv.com/