The Boundless Love Project supports community members attempting to live with more joy, wisdom and peace. Meditation is a practice that helps many of us to live more mindfully and skillfully. Spending time in nature is another useful practice to help us experience more peace, appreciate our nonhuman relations, and inspire us to value and protect the nonhuman family. Today, we offer perspective and resources from Stop NDD (Nature-Deficit Disorder), an organization that encourages people to engage with the beauty of nature at all ages. Read on to learn more about their work and discover resources that help people, particularly children, enjoy, value, and cherish the wonders of nature.
Written by Jenny Miller
As a child, you probably spent hours outside all year round, only coming in when your parents told you that dinner was ready. But today, you might be worried that your own children are spending more free time with their eyes on a screen than playing outside. Time outdoors is so important that children who don’t get enough could end up dealing with symptoms of nature-deficit disorder. These resources will help you cultivate a love of nature in your family!
Fun with Outdoor Sports
There are plenty of sports and sports-related activities for your child to explore. Discuss which sports your child would like to try and then find online resources (like the ones below!) that can help you get everything started.
Five Reasons Why Children Should Play Soccer
6 Great Benefits of Participating in Youth Softball
25 Reasons Archery Is Good For Kids
Backyard Activities for Kids
Spending time outside is as easy as setting foot in your own backyard. Don’t know where to begin? These resources can help you get started.
Trampoline Safety: 10 Things Every Parent Should Know
How to DIY Build a Basketball Court
How to Safely Observe Wildlife from Your Home
Experience the Outdoors as a Family
Perhaps the best to get your child excited about spending time outdoors is to do it together as a family. The following resources will help you find ways to make that happen.
Tips for Rock Climbing with Kids
4 Tips When Mountain Biking with Your Child
Plan the Perfect Family Camping Trip
Family Camping Essentials Checklist
Easy Campfire Safety Rules for Kids and Parents
If you suspect that your children are struggling with nature-deficit disorder, don’t stress. It’s never too late to encourage them to fall in love with the natural world. Before you know it, they’ll be begging you to come outside and play with them!
Jenny Miller retired from teaching, but during her time with students, she saw firsthand just how plugged in they really were. She made it her goal to encourage her students to unplug and get outside, and she continues that pursuit now for people of all ages through her site to end Nature-Deficit Disorder (NDD).
COVID DISCLAIMER: COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are extremely high across the United States. To decrease your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, CDC recommends that you do not gather with people who do not live with you at this time. Please use caution when experiencing the outdoors with your family.