Now, one may say there’s something wrong with the way we’re raising our kids. And, it may just be the place where we’re doing it. Today’s children spend half as much time outside as their parents did. As well, being inside all day can have serious repercussions on health and development. Essentially, electric light disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Also, prolonged exposure to fluorescent lights increases insomnia and anxiety.
Why is being outside and in nature necessary for better mental health?
For too many of us, being indoors have become the norm. But, we can reverse those effects and also make sure our children reap the benefits of time outside in nature. Therefore, to give our children the best possible childhood, we need to give them the freedom to play outdoors. Wisdom Within Counseling presents tips and resources that can help you create a safe environment for your kids. The team of counselors also offer creative drama therapies and outdoor therapy for kids.
Outside Is Optimal When It Comes To Outdoor Therapy for Kids
Overall, child development experts have identify various categories of play that help children build needed skills. For instance, these areas include physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Often, children need outdoor therapy to develop outlets for anxiety and losses. Rough and tumble, outdoor play enhances motor skills and dexterity. Further, studies show that children who play outside tend to be happier and smarter. As well, research shows that outdoor therapy for kids helps with anxiety disorders.
How is outdoor therapy for kids in Southeastern Connecticut helpful?
Children who spend time outdoors are less anxious than children who don’t. Also, children who spend more time indoors are likely to be more sedentary, overweight, and at risk for diabetes and other health disorders. So, outdoor therapy for kids in Southeastern Connecticut supports coping tools. And, in the way your child best learns, by being in nature and moving. Essentially, the sit and talk model of therapy doesn’t work well for children with ADHD. As well, research notes that children also more likely to have inadequate social skills due to screen time. Children who are stuck indoors behind screens tend to have poor coping mechanisms. So, make a concerted effort to get your kids interested in and eager to be outdoors. You can start with your backyard!
Spot safety hazards in your back yard
First things first, before sending your kids outside be sure to do a safety check this spring. So, look for potential hazards. To start, remove any debris from winter storms, and make sure fences are intact and undamaged. Additionally, pools can be dangerous. Also, cover over or fence off any ponds or pools. And, deal with any areas of standing water that could harbor mosquitoes. Likewise, look for low spots in the yard because as they can be tripping hazards. Repair screens and patch any holes. Make sure all lawn equipment and ladders are properly secured. Often, children will explore everything in their reach. To add, lock up your lawn mower. Unfortunately, children are involved in 68,000 mower-related injuries every year. Further, protect kids by making sure the mower is put out of reach, and that children are never nearby while it is in use. Indeed, it’s best not to take any chances when it comes to safety.
In your back yard, secure your play equipment and play structures
Next, check your play equipment. Over the winter, play structures can become unanchored, so make sure everything is securely tied down. More than half of all playground deaths each year occur on backyard swing sets. As well, you’ll also want to make certain that ground cover under play equipment is soft. Plus, play chips and rubber playground mulch is ideal. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the team of therapists offer outdoor therapies, art, painting, and drama therapy for children.
To begin, click the button below for a phone consult to learn more about creative, outdoor therapy for kids and families in Southeastern Connecticut.
Consider the plants and pests
So, once your backyard play area is structurally sound and physically secure, consider the plants. Certain plants can cause allergic reactions or even be toxic for children. Also, poison ivy is one of the worst for those who are allergic. Essentially, remove all poison ivy and teach your children how to identify it. Also, try to incorporate plants and flowers outside and inside your home whenever possible. Lastly, a little dose of Mother Nature can help lower stress levels. Working with a therapist who specializes in holistic child and family counseling can provide lifelong coping tools.
At Wisdom Within Counseling in Southeastern Connecticut, the team of therapists offer outdoor therapies, art, painting, and drama therapies for families.
Go organic and more natural when it comes to spraying
Furthermore, fertilizers and pesticides can be particularly dangerous for your children. So, make sure they’re properly labeled and carefully stored. Keep kids and pets away until after the next rainfall or your next watering. To add, trim back trees and shrubs at least two feet from the exterior walls of your home to help control pests. Get your children off the computer and out into the natural world right outside the back door. You, and they, will be rewarded with better health and happiness in the long run. Now, with just a little preparation and forethought, your backyard can be a welcoming, safe, enriching environment. And, your children can play there every day to release tension from school.
What outdoor therapies are popular these days?
To note, outdoor therapies are available for all ages across the United States. A lot of outdoor therapies are education programs. Often, outdoor education programs include hiking and expeditions in the wilderness, which encourage self-discovery and personal growth. Moreover, major contributors to the outdoor and wilderness therapy field include Larry Olsen, Madolyn Leibing, Ezekiel Sanchez, Nelson Chase, Rocky Kimball, and Steven Bacon. As well, in the wilderness, adults learn a set of primitive skills. So, outdoor, wilderness, and adventure therapy involve allowing nature to be a teacher. Essentially, the therapy becomes the use of emotionally and physically challenging outdoor activities. And, these outdoor and wilderness therapy experiences sometimes incorporate a degree of risk. However, at Wisdom Within Counseling in Southeastern Connecticut, outdoor therapy for kids is very low risk.
Southeastern Connecticut outdoor therapy
For example, in an outdoor therapy session, a child with ADHD can run, toss a ball, or use chalk to release energy. As well, Wisdom Within Counseling offers a variety of creative therapies to children, teens, adults, and couples. Frequently, children with high energy levels need a therapeutic environment that supports their natural movement.
Also, studies note that nature-based outdoor activities yield benefits much additional to those of indoor exercise alone.
In a therapy setting, a child can see their therapist mirroring their body movements. Such as, when throwing a frisbee, smiling when catching, or walking side by side. In addition, movement, yoga, art, and painting provide children and their families outdoor outlets for stress.
From stress at home and school, child may develop poor self-esteem, impulsivity, and anger issues.
In addition, outdoor therapies can be effective for tics, anxiety, loss, anger, social skills, and special needs. Plus, the effects of outdoor therapies in Southeastern Connecticut can help children come off ADHD medication, when appropriate. Lastly, during the course of the therapy, different outdoor therapies can be combined with art and yoga to build self-confidence.
To begin, click the button below for a phone consult to learn more about creative, outdoor therapy for kids and families in Southeastern Connecticut.
Also, outdoor therapy in Southeastern Connecticut provides families in chaos a place for fun, playful connection.
How can the team of therapists at Wisdom Within Counseling help adults?
Outdoor Walk and Talk Therapy at Wisdom Within Counseling
Also, the team of therapists help adults and couples in addition to children using outdoor therapies. So, if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, you can do an outdoor walk and talk therapy session. By the Niantic Bay Boardwalk in Southeastern Connecticut, you can take your session in the fresh air.
What is unique about the creative therapies at Wisdom Within Counseling?
At Wisdom Within Counseling, outdoor therapy for kids in Southeastern Connecticut can be another place where your kids can play. But, in outdoor counseling, your child can also learn to express emotions. For some, being outdoors and in nature promotes lifelong centering and self-care tools. And, positive stress outlets can help your child be ready for any emotion. From anger, to jealousy, to loss, the team of therapists at Wisdom Within Counseling support children and their families.
