Kids' conncetion to nature lessens distress, hyperactivity and behavioral problems

[link to www.sciencedaily.com (secure)]

"City lifestyle has been criticised for being an important reason for children being disconnected from nature. This has led to an unhealthy lifestyle in regards to active play and eating habits. Even worse, many young children do not feel well psychologically -- they are often stressed and depressed....The results revealed that parents who saw their child had a closer connection with nature had less distress, less hyperactivity, & fewer behavioural and emotional difficulties, and improved pro-social behaviour."

Not really a surprise. It seems pretty straightforward that the more screen time kids get, the more hyperactive and anxious they become. I've seen it with my kids and acquaintances' kids.

Initially my little girl hated trips to nature, but now she's learnt to like them. She says she likes the silence, "the slowness of things" and smells in a forest, and it really seems to calm her down, too.