We’re all living in a world dominated by screens. From TVs to tablets, mobile phones to laptops – plenty of devices have seamlessly become an inseparable part of our daily lives. While these gadgets and devices have made our lives easier, excessive reliance and usage is a guaranteed path to disaster. We at Delhi Public School Sushant Lok, one of the top 10 CBSE schools in Gurgaon, have always supported embracing modern tech but having said that, we firmly believe that technology shouldn’t become the reason to disassociate with nature.
If you see, children were encouraged to play outside for ages because it supported their overall growth and development. Since today’s kids are more inclined to spend time indoors, their alarmingly high screen time is damaging their holistic growth. This is the reason why we always recommend parents to encourage their kids to connect more. The reasons are many, and shared below are some of them:
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Unplugging from the Digital Environment for Greater Well-being
Spending time in nature can help your kids de-stress themselves by unplugging from the digital world’s overwhelming stimulation. It will allow kids to focus on the present by observing and engaging with the natural surroundings. To help your kids sharpen their cognitive abilities, you must encourage them to explore the natural habitat around your house.
From climbing trees to using stones to build something, touching leaves or plants to breathing fresh air – everything contributes to a pleasant multi-sensory experience, aiding their overall development. If you live in an urban setting, plan weekly family outings to locations close to nature.
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Improving Physical Well-Being and Health
Many kids have unknowingly slipped into a sedentary lifestyle paired with unhealthy eating habits. If your kids spend most of the time staying indoors, glued to their screens, and eating ultra-processed food, fried food, etc., it’s time to intervene and help them create a healthy lifestyle. If this pattern is not broken, it can contribute to numerous health challenges, including child obesity.
If your kids don’t like to exercise, add a playful element to their daily routine. Encourage them to pick their favorite outdoor activity that also connects them with nature. Hiking, biking, playing in the garden, etc., are some effective activities that support muscle development, cardiovascular health, and overall physical well-being.
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Building Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
One of the most understated benefits of connecting with nature is its ability to foster resilience and emotional intelligence. When you let kids explore the natural surroundings, they learn adaptability and problem-solving by engaging in different activities like navigating a hiking trail, climbing uneven terrain, weathering unexpected rainstorms, etc.
All this teaches kids to foster emotional intelligence and manage their emotions effectively. Nature is an ever-changing environment mirroring life’s uncertainties, so kids begin finding ways to deal with unexpected turns of events. It prepares them for the future while retaining their curiosity and excitement. Even if your kids have a packed schedule, encouraging them to spend at least ten minutes a day in nature can be really beneficial.
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Foster Social Skills and Teamwork
We at Delhi Public School Sushant Lok view nature as a social playground where kids can interact with their surroundings in their preferred way. It gives them more control over their action, allowing them to better communicate with others in their surrounding. Parents should organize frequent group trips near natural landscapes and plan activities like scavenger hunts in the open, creating a makeshift dam in a stream, etc.
These activities become the catalyst to hone their communication, collaboration, and cooperation skills. When kids frequently participate in such activities, they learn how to share, negotiate, and work as a team to achieve a common goal. These experiences lay the foundation for strong social skills, shaping their personal and professional relationships.
Conclusion
No one would want their kids to grow up glued to their mobile screens. It not only disassociates them from the real world, hinders their social skills, but also hampers their overall growth mentally, emotionally, and physically. The best way to support your child’s healthy growth and development is by encouraging them to spend more time in nature.
We at Delhi Public School Sushant Lok, one of the top CBSE schools in Gurgaon, have seen that when kids unplug from the digital world and spend time in nature, they learn to remain in the present moment. It allows them to hone their cognitive skills, fine gross motor skills, etc. Teaching children to connect with nature is the best way to lay a strong foundation for a fulfilling and sustainable life.