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Green Hour

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www.GreenHour.Org

National Wildlife Federation

To give parents and caregivers the information, tools, and inspiration to get their kids (and themselves) outside, the National Wildlife Federation has created GreenHour.Org which recommends that parents give their kids a "Green Hour" every day , a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.

NWF states that “today’s over scheduled kids are increasingly "plugged in" to electronic devices and media and unplugged from the fundamental and formative experience of nature in their own neighborhood. Their senses — including, most sadly, their sense of wonder — are bombarded, overwhelmed, and ultimately diminished.

Now, a growing wave of research indicates that children who spend time outdoors are healthier , overall, than their indoor counterparts.

Children who regularly spend unstructured time outside:

· Play more creatively

· Have lower stress levels

· Have more active imaginations

· Become fitter and leaner

· Develop stronger immune systems

· Experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD

· Have greater respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment”

This website offers great information for parents! Check it out!

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04.29.2008 Category Green Living, Outdoor Activities, Parent Resources, Websites to Explore