Think back to when you were a child. Can you remember whether your parents went outside with you often, or not at all? Did you visit the park or nature reserves, go for walks in the woods, climb trees or go to the beach together? Or are your memories of times with your parents mainly about being indoors?
For many, childhood is becoming increasingly contained or restricted. Report after report raises alarm bells about how this may be affecting children's health and well-being, their ability to learn and to become self-reliant and resilient individuals.
Spending time outside makes a difference to physical health and well-being. Contact with nature can help people de-stress, improve their concentration and recover faster from illness, as well as learn about the natural environment. If we grow up without such experiences ourselves, we are less likely to take our own children out - or allow them to roam independently as they get older.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
