Nature Play WA
 

If you’re a parent looking for ideas on how to get your children more involved in outdoor activities in Western Australia visit Nature Play WA.

Nature Play WA is a new movement that is working to help parents reconnect their children with nature. 

There are lots of reasons why kids should make the move from the TV or computer room to the outdoors. Probably the best reason is that it’s fun, and you and your kids will be happier and healthier doing things together. 

 A growing body of research suggests that:

• Children’s disconnection with nature may be associated with an epidemic of childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, behaviour disorders, depression and a diminished sense of place and community.

• Heightened health problems, higher stress, higher aggression, reduced cognitive and creative capacities, lower school achievement, blighted sense of efficacy and diminished productivity are among the possible associated negative impacts.

• Children’s cognitive flexibility and creativity are enhanced if they have the experience in childhood to problem-solve in natural settings.

• There are mental health benefits to be gained from nature play, ranging from higher self-esteem to reduced characteristics of attention-deficit disorder, more self-discipline, higher school achievement, a greater sense of efficacy and less stress.

•Children benefit from appropriate risk-taking during outdoor play, by helping them refine their motor skills and gain confidence in being physically active.

•School gardens positively affect children's learning and behaviour, and that students involved in gardening develop a better school attitude,student bonding and teamwork.
 

For more information visit Nature Play WA