1KHO 366: It is Easier to Parent When You Are Outside | Pooja Tandon and Danette Glassy, Digging Into Nature
Oct 20, 2024
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Pooja Tandon and Danette Glassy, pediatricians and co-authors of "Digging Into Nature," explore the transformative power of outdoor play for children. They discuss how nature boosts cognitive and emotional development while alleviating stress for parents. The duo shares practical tips to overcome hurdles like allergies and time constraints, emphasizing outdoor time's vital role in shaping resilience and reducing tantrums. With anecdotes and expert advice, they inspire families to embrace nature for happier, healthier lives.
Outdoor play significantly enhances children's cognitive and physical development while also reducing parental stress and improving family dynamics.
Despite barriers to outdoor activities, families can benefit from reimagining routines to include nature, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
Outdoor play is vital for children's physical and mental health, offering numerous benefits that contribute to happier and healthier kids. Pediatricians Pooja Tandon and Danette Glassy emphasize that spending time in nature encourages physical activity, enhances sleep quality, and supports cognitive development. They noted that many children today experience overscheduling, which limits their outdoor time, and that the simple act of getting outside can provide children with opportunities for unstructured play, social interaction, and exploration. Their book, 'Digging into Nature,' serves as a resource to help parents understand why outdoor experiences are crucial for children, particularly in today’s fast-paced environment.
Parenting Benefits of Nature
Engaging with nature is not only beneficial for children but also provides significant advantages for parents. The pediatricians describe how spending time outdoors helps reduce parental stress and can serve as a practical tool for managing tantrums in children. When children are outside, they often exhibit calmer behavior, allowing parents to recharge emotionally and making parenting less overwhelming. The act of changing scenery and engaging in outdoor activities holds restorative qualities, fostering a more positive family dynamic and improving overall well-being for caregivers.
Challenges and Solutions for Outdoor Activities
Despite the benefits of outdoor play, many families face barriers that hinder their ability to spend time outside, including time constraints and health concerns. Tandon and Glassy discuss the importance of reimagining family routines to incorporate outdoor activities, emphasizing that even brief outings can be beneficial. They advocate for the inclusion of other caregivers or family members, enhancing children’s opportunities for exploration and joy in nature. Additionally, they address specific healthcare needs, offering strategies for how families can safely navigate outdoor experiences, regardless of any challenges.
The Developmental Benefits of Risky Play
Risky play is highlighted as an essential component of childhood development, encouraging children to develop skills related to decision-making, resilience, and physical confidence. The pediatricians explain that engaging in activities perceived as risky—such as climbing or navigating uneven terrain—can foster a child’s ability to assess risk and build self-esteem. They note that children who spend time in natural settings often learn more robustly, leading to improved social interactions and emotional health. As families embrace outdoor challenges, they foster resilience and prepare children for future risks in a safe and supervised environment.
Pediatricians Pooja Tandon and Danette Glassy join Ginny Yurich to discuss their new book, Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Activities for Happier and Healthier Kids. They explore the many benefits of outdoor play, from boosting cognitive and physical development to enhancing mental health. The conversation dives into practical ways to overcome barriers like allergies, limited time, and mobility challenges, and highlights how nature can help children build resilience, manage emotions, and even reduce tantrums. The episode also underscores how getting outside isn't just good for kids—it's a stress reliever for parents too.