(NAPSA)—“Go outside and play” was a common refrain heard around the neighborhood in years past, but not anymore. This marked departure from behavior patterns of earlier American generations means that for the first time in our country’s history, an entire genera- tion is growing up disconnected is staring at some kind of electronic TimE Out—When kids spend unstructured time outdoors, their stress levels go down and their imaginations soar. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that the average American child spends 44 hours per week(six hours a day!) screen—T'V, video games, comput- ers. Respected author Richard Louv refers to this “nature deficit disorder” as a most disturbing but preventable trend. Too much television watching has been scientifically linked to obesity, violence and even lower intelligence in kids. Now the signs are that these indoor kids are less healthy than their out- door counterparts. Children benefit greatly from spending unstructured time outside. In addition to creative play, they learn practical skills and how to experiment in the physical world. Their stress levels go down and their imaginations soar. They become fitter and leaner and their immune systems crow stronger. Time spent sur- rounded by nature helps young people see where they fit in the world, the value of wildlife and wild places and the true meaning of conservation. ae Gs 1 . from nature. To counter this nature deficit disorder trend, the National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their kids a “Green Hour” every day; time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can be in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces to learn and play. Here are some ideas to get you started: Take your child on a nature walk. e Put up a birdfeeder. Go camping in the backyard. Create a backyard wildlife habitat. Gofishing. Go on a bug hunt. Get to know your local nature center. e Send your child on a nature scavenger hunt. More ideas can be found at www.nwft.org/greenhour.
