Staying Active in Winter

If you’re listening to me right now, chances are that you’re in your car, at home or work … anywhere but outdoors with children! And while I want you to keep listening to NHPR, I also want to remind you of how important it is for us all, and especially our kids, to spend more time outside in the natural world.
As the weather gets chilly, we can get a little bear-like and look for a comfortable space to hole-up in for the winter. Visions of struggling with snowsuits, hats, mittens, and boots can make even the most dedicated adult tremble. Add the challenge of shorter days, and it’s hard to make time to keep our kids connected with nature at this time of year.

But the benefits that come from a child’s time spent in the wild are significant. Research clearly shows the positive impacts of improved physical health, decreased stress levels, renewed spirit, and the development of conservation values.

So I’d like to issue a challenge for us all to do “something wild” during the coming season. Let’s make a commitment to get the kids in our lives outdoors and exploring the natural world more than ever. Going out with you is great - exploring with just their friends may be even better. Send them snowshoeing to track wild animals, or to build a snowman or snow shelter out in the middle of the woods. Finding a more even balance between indoor and outdoor activities will really pay off, and in ways that may surprise you.