Benefits of Nature Experience at Every Age

In This Episode:How much time do you and your children spend outside in nature? And if your answer is “not much,” what benefits are you missing? Since the 2005 publication of Richard Louv’s groundbreaking book, Last Child in the Woods, the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) – founded by Louv and a few colleagues, including Mom Enough® host Marti Erickson – has worked with partners around the world to make sure all children have access to the benefits nature provides. One key to C&NN’s work is to promote and disseminate solid research on those benefits, an effort led by Dr. Cathy Jordan, Director of Research for C&NN and a professor at the University of Minnesota. Cathy joins Marti & Erin today to provide a state-of-the-science update on the link between nature experience and children’s health, happiness, learning and stewardship of the earth. Tune in – and then get ready to get the whole family, babies to grandparents, out into nature!WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN THE BENEFITS OF NATURE?Reflect on the place of nature experience in the lives of your children and other family members. How much time do you all, whatever your ages, spend in nature, and what benefits do you notice? After a demanding day of school or work, how do you or your kids feel if you take time for a walk, or to dig in the garden, or sit on a bench in a grassy area and read or just breathe deeply?  Think of three simple ways you could bring more nature experience into your life this week, for the benefit of your children and yourself. WANT TO LEARN MORE?*Children & Nature Network: Learn more about getting your children connected to nature!