I referenced "nature deficit disorder" in an earlier post-it is something that preoccupies me a great deal living in Karachi. My personal, subjective experience tells me that reduced access to nature makes me feel miserable and trapped, makes my allergic asthma considerably worse and turns me into a sad, wheezing mess. I don't want my son to feel the same way, so I carve out time to go to the park or beach, or toddle around in our tiny lawn every day, no matter how hot or humid it gets. Again, in my subjective experience, the days when we get the most outdoor time are the days when he eats whatever is served instead of demanding cookies, sleeps through the night and throws fewer tantrums.
Research backs me up here. Studies of children playing outdoors show that they play more cooperatively and engage in more problem solving skills in green spaces (Kellert 2005). US-based studies show that children who engage in more outdoor play have better academic performance, most notably in science (American Institutes for Research, 2005). They are also more likely to eat fruit and vegetables and demonstrate less pickiness while eating if they are involved in growing and preparing food (Morris and Zidenberg-Cherr, 2002). Most importantly perhaps, in a world where childhood is more fast and furious than slow and simple, access to nature reduces stress levels significantly (Wells and Evans, 2003).
Does this mean children in Karachi are doomed to having poorer cognitive, social and emotional skills than their peers in greener areas? Not necessarily-incorporating nature is not always about idyllic countryside environments. Humans are adaptable creatures and it doesn't take very much to stimulate the parts of our brains that respond to greenery, water and natural materials. Letting kids play in sand, experiment with falling water-a running tap, watering can or bird bath-muck around in a gardening patch, or simply run around in the sunshine has plenty benefit.
Upper-class Pakistani society lives in mortal fear of sunshine and dirt and it's no wonder, given that both heatstroke and tetanus are easy to get. However, this concern must be tempered with common sense. Vaccinated kids who get dirty at the park or wet watering plants outdoors are more likely to be healthy and happy after playing outdoors than in any danger. It's also a good opportunity to teach them important self-care rather than allowing adults to worry and micromanage. You can teach children as young as two to wash their hands after playing outside and to sit in the shade when it's too hot to risk exposure. The things you can teach with a little time outdoors are limited only by the imaginations of adults-children are intrinsically wired to appreciate nature in all its forms.
Research backs me up here. Studies of children playing outdoors show that they play more cooperatively and engage in more problem solving skills in green spaces (Kellert 2005). US-based studies show that children who engage in more outdoor play have better academic performance, most notably in science (American Institutes for Research, 2005). They are also more likely to eat fruit and vegetables and demonstrate less pickiness while eating if they are involved in growing and preparing food (Morris and Zidenberg-Cherr, 2002). Most importantly perhaps, in a world where childhood is more fast and furious than slow and simple, access to nature reduces stress levels significantly (Wells and Evans, 2003).
Does this mean children in Karachi are doomed to having poorer cognitive, social and emotional skills than their peers in greener areas? Not necessarily-incorporating nature is not always about idyllic countryside environments. Humans are adaptable creatures and it doesn't take very much to stimulate the parts of our brains that respond to greenery, water and natural materials. Letting kids play in sand, experiment with falling water-a running tap, watering can or bird bath-muck around in a gardening patch, or simply run around in the sunshine has plenty benefit.
Upper-class Pakistani society lives in mortal fear of sunshine and dirt and it's no wonder, given that both heatstroke and tetanus are easy to get. However, this concern must be tempered with common sense. Vaccinated kids who get dirty at the park or wet watering plants outdoors are more likely to be healthy and happy after playing outdoors than in any danger. It's also a good opportunity to teach them important self-care rather than allowing adults to worry and micromanage. You can teach children as young as two to wash their hands after playing outside and to sit in the shade when it's too hot to risk exposure. The things you can teach with a little time outdoors are limited only by the imaginations of adults-children are intrinsically wired to appreciate nature in all its forms.
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