In 2007, The University of Colarado’s Children, Youth and Environment Center for Research and Design published a report which notes that exposure to nature is a big factor that contributes to the general health and well-being of young people. The report quotes various studies which show that access to nature helps in molding children to have environmentally responsible attitudes. Read on and discover how green living means more than just “eating green” or using natural cleaning products and organic cleaning products.

The report, entitled “Benefits of Nature for Children’s Health” and written by Louise Chawla and Debra Flanders Cushing, emphasizes that the role of planning and development professions is vital in ensuring that young people will be exposed to nature in their day to day lives.

The report focuses on the following benefits:

Improved concentration and control of impulse

The report cites different studies involving (a) teenage girls (b) children moving from rundown urban housing to better neighborhoods, and (c) children playing in playgrounds. These studies revealed that all the children were all able to concentrate better when exposed to surroundings filled with greenery than when exposed to barren views.

Better emotional management and reduction of stress levels

The report also quotes a study from Finland which revealed that young children and adolescents benefited from natural areas by serving as places where they can relax, clear their heads and emotionally de-stress. The younger the children, the more they are vulnerable to stress and the more they benefitted from nature’s help.

Opportunity for more creative forms of play

The researchers also note a Chicago and a Washington study which observed that children playing in green outdoor spaces engaged in more play and play that is more creative than those done in ordinary environments. Children who played amidst vegetated surroundings were observed to create elaborate make believe stories.

Better management of ADD and ADHD symptoms

A study in Chicago also concluded that children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibited improved symptoms after they played in greeneries.

Improved motor coordination

Comparative studies in Sweden and Norway showed that children who played every day among trees, rocks and the natural irregular topography of school grounds exhibited better motor coordination than children who played in traditional schoolyards.

Better appreciation of nature

It was also proven that people who demonstrate a sense of responsibility to and stewardship for nature are those who most frequently mention positive experiences of nature when they were children. A study in Switzerland also proved that children learn about biodiversity best when they learn it on hand in a natural setting rather than in a classroom.

As you can see, it is very important to encourage young children to explore their surroundings and to experience nature. But as parents, you also have to make sure that they are safe from dangerous germs at all times. Teach your child to always follow proper rules of hygiene like washing his hand with organic and natural cleaning products like BabyGanics Fine and Handy Foaming Hand Soap, or earth friendly cleaning products like The Germinator Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer also from BabyGanics. Protect your family from germs without toxins and enjoy nature without damaging our environment!