Sparkle Schoolhouse

Sparkle Weekly Wonderings: Spending Time in Nature

Have you ever heard of Vitamin N? That would be Vitamin Nature!

This term, coined by author and journalist Richard Louv (http://richardlouv.com/), points toward an important truth: time in nature is essential to our very well-being.

From the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” to the growing body of studies that show that “a connection with nature makes us healthier and happier people,” the world is waking up to the fact that we need time in nature to be completely whole and well.

(There are even studies that show that exposure to nature “reduces symptoms” in children with ADHD!)

Think about it: humans evolved over 100’s of 1000’s of years, in direct contact with the natural world. It’s only been the last 150 or so years that we humans have structured our lives around the indoors, and in the last 12 years that we’ve spent the bulk of our time indoors, seated, and gazing at screens! We are built to be outside and in motion!

But how to get your kiddos outside?

If you’re like our family, you make them. We made nature camp a mandatory summer activity this year; we are scheduling camping trips and hikes with friends (and no phones); and we will make an effort to hang-out outdoors as much as possible. Currently I make my children take off their shoes and stand barefoot in the yard as often as possible, and even encourage them to take down time by lying in the hammock or the grass.

But even better than forcing your children into nature-based activities: inspire them. Check out or recipe round up and crafts round up for this week.

Happy Nature Adventures to you!