Helping Families Learn Homesteading and Self-Sufficient Living
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Becoming the most advanced civilization that we’ve ever known has come at a cost. We have our smartphones, TV’s, and electric, self-driving cars. But with all of these advancements in modern medicine, food production, and technology, we are the sickest and saddest we’ve ever been as a species. One of the problems contributing to this fact is the overwhelming amount of individuals suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder. In this article, we’ll go over what this term means, and the essential strategies to prevent Nature Deficit Disorder as a family.
It began after the Civil War, when masses of people began to move into cities and out of rural areas. But it would take over another hundred years to begin affecting the population as a whole.
All the way up until around the 1980’s people spent a large amount of time outdoors, for work and for leisure. Children played outside every waking hour they were able, and usually only school was stopping them. But even back then, children had over an hour’s worth of recess to play outside. The standard time for recess now is 15 minutes.
Even in suburban and urban neighborhoods, people knew their neighbors well because they spent time together on the front porch. Think about the parents and grandparents who simply enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the world go by, the children play, and the birds sing. When is the last time you saw someone simply sit on their porch for enjoyment?
No one is getting outside like they used to, adults and children alike. With the rise in technology and lawsuits, children simply aren’t allowed to play like they used to in the time of our grandparents. When imposed with too many limitations, children simply resort to being indoors on a tablet.
In his book “Last Child in the Woods” Richard Louv goes into great depth about this separation and when it occurred. It is a very insightful book as he is also the originator of the term “Nature Deficit Disorder.”
I’m sure that by now you’ve read about and probably even researched the many issues that underlie our physical and mental health complications. From GMO’s to sedentary lifestyles, there is a plethora of problems that remain unresolved but out in the light.
One of the common threads that is becoming noticed is our lack of time in nature. Children are spending an average of 7-8 hours per day behind a screen and only 4-7 minutes on average outside. You read that right, 4-7 minutes. Most adults on average reported spending less than 5 hours per week outdoors. Not only is this a problem for children, but for adults as well.
With the decline in our time spent outdoors there has been a simultaneous rise in mental and physical health disorders like anxiety, depression, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency. Though NDD is likely not the direct cause, it is part of the issue and addressing it can help to address these issues.
NDD presents itself similarly to many other disorders. Symptoms include anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, increased levels of stress, obesity, the inability to focus, poor academic performance, decreased problem solving skills, and a decline in physical and mental health overall.
It is curious that many of these symptoms are the same as another popular “deficit disorder.” Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD has risen drastically over the recent years. In a 20 year study beginning in 1997, the percentage of children diagnosed rose from 6.1% to over 10%!
As a mother to children with ADHD, I have anecdotally seen first hand the benefits that nature has to offer children with attention or hyperactive issues. I have seen my son go from a state of aggressive arousal to bliss with 10 minutes of fresh air. My oldest daughter, who is learning to process preteen emotions, can go from argumentative preteen to a peacefully playing child with just a few minutes outside.
If you or your children are struggling with any of the signs and symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder then the next section is going to go over the different ways to get outside and combat this new problem that is arising among our families.
This is a problem best addressed as a family. When everyone in the family is meeting their outdoor needs, the household and daily tasks will run much smoother. All of these recommendations are beneficial for adults and children alike. They all reduce the burden on the nervous system and reduce stress.
These actions will enhance your relationship with yourself and your family. Try these for a week and feel the difference in your stress and happiness levels.
Adults and children alike are spending an average of 7-8 hours per day looking at a screen. Much of this takes place at school and work, so unless you plan on switching careers or homeschooling, there’s not much you can do about the time spent on screens in those environments. You can, however, control the amount of time spent on them at home.
Of those 7-8 hours, 3 hours and 43 minutes is the average that an adult spends on their phone. We’re always complaining that there isn’t enough time in the day. What could be done in the almost 4 hours that we’ve spent scrolling social media?
As a homeschooling family, I certainly see the importance of screens in our daily lives. We learn, socialize, and entertain ourselves with technology. There is so much to be gained from technology when we use it properly.
Try reducing the daily overall time on screens spent mindlessly scrolling or playing games and use that time instead to step outside for fresh air. A popular trend nowadays is having a screen free day once a week. Some die hard pioneers are even challenging themselves to a week or sometimes even a month without screens. I haven’t found the need for that in our household, yet, but I definitely seek to reduce the amount of mindless time spent on screens for myself and my children.
Technology is a tool like any other. Use it to gain something, but don’t let it take away your physical and mental health.
We’ve replaced sitting on our front porch watching the kids play outside with rushed soccer practices and drive thru lines. The absence of free play for children and leisure time for adults has given rise to a busy schedule full of activities that we deem more valuable.
There is a certain pride for people to have the busiest of schedules. For their children to attend every class and every extra curricular possible. But research is showing that this is detrimental to our health. The more we structure and organize, the less happy we become.
Try opening your schedule for the month. There is definitely nothing wrong with extra curricular so long as they still leave room for free time. This is true for adults as well as children. We need time to reflect, to decompress, and to admire the natural world.
Though this seems geared towards children, it is just as important for adults. Though our play looks different than the play of children, we never outgrow our need for it. Play is crucial for human happiness.
For children, this looks like setting them loose in the backyard and letting them play freely. It can be building forts, playing role-playing games, digging in mud, or even taking their favorite toys outside.
Adult play is different, but can include joining your kids in their outdoor play. Hide and seek and tag are particularly fun for me to play with my own children. It can also include sitting in a hammock and reading a book that you enjoy, creating art outside, or going for a leisurely stroll. Anything that is fun and done outdoors is what I would consider outdoor play.
Try being intentional with your outdoor play and treating it as important as your bedtime routine. Do this for a week, a month even, and see the difference it makes in your overall well being.
This one is geared towards parents. Children have a knack for doing what they see instead of doing what they are told. If they grow up seeing their parents enjoying the outdoors, they will be more likely to enjoy the outdoors and prevent a nature deficit.
This is especially important as children look to us for an example of what it is like as an adult. With the amount of distractions in the home, it can be difficult to keep a child’s interest in going to play outside. Leading by example can be just the nudge they need to encourage themselves.
Humans are wonderful at adapting to change. Even if we are used to the comforts of the home, we can quickly develop resiliency to the elements outdoors and prevent a nature deficit.
As an example, my family moved from tropical South Georgia to arctic Alaska. It took a few weeks to acclimate to the temps outdoors, but we did. Because we spend plenty of time outdoors, we are able to withstand temperatures lower than others who have spent their whole lives up here.
Resilience is a skill that I am passionate about as a mother. I want my children to be resilient in life. There is no better teacher than nature. If you can walk outside on a rainy day and enjoy yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the storms of life as they head your way.
Once you find an outdoor activity that you really enjoy, that love and connection to nature will flourish. You’ll find yourself excited to be outside. You’ll look forward to it every day and will be more likely to stick to your daily outside routine and prevent a nature deficit.
It is hard to walk into a forest and not lose yourself in its magnificence. Try sitting out in nature and observing what is going on around you. Notice the birds, the insects, the plants and the way they interact. Find something that you really appreciate and nurture that love for nature in it.
When you develop a love for nature, you’ll be glad to spend time in it every day.
What do you think of when you read that word “adventure?” Do you picture climbing mountains, sailing into the ocean, or embarking on a month-long wilderness adventure? These are all dream adventures that we would love to go on, but they don’t fit into most people’s reality.
The adventures that I am talking about are very doable, some even a few hours in length. There is a certain book by Alastair Humphreys called “Microadventures” where he provides an entire book on different ideas for adventure. He labels the time commitment and difficulty level for each one. Some are short quick stents and others are multi day excursions. You will not lack ideas in his book, and I love that they are all achievable by anyone without physical limitations.
These adventures will help to keep the outdoors intriguing. We humans are naturally curious by nature and they often lead you to the most wonderful discoveries. It is important to periodically experience awe inspiring moments to soothe stress and remember our place on the Earth.
We tend to schedule events in our lives which hold great importance. We make space for them and make sure to adhere to the time so that we don’t miss them. If we apply this concept to our outdoor time it may help hold us accountable to ourselves to get outside every day.
A popular “outside” schedule that I’ve seen is to schedule at least 1 hour per day of time outdoors. This can vary by season. We live in Alaska so when it’s deep into Winter and -50 F, 1 hour is unrealistic. We tend to make up for this during the Summer where we spend plenty of time camping and hiking. 1 hour is a great starting point in preventing nature deficit disorder.
Once a week, try going for a longer excursion outdoors. Maybe its that hike you’ve been wanting to attempt, or even a visit to the zoo. Spend 3-4 hours outdoors at one time, once per week.
Once a month, try taking a weekend camping trip. This is a great time to refresh and get your circadian rhythm in check. This can obviously be seasonal, depending on where you live. It takes pretty extreme gear to go tent camping in the Winters of Alaska. Go as often as you can.
If at all possible, try taking a week long wilderness retreat once a year. It can be as simple as an annual family camping trip during the Summer. This is where you will really get that feeling of a “reset” through nature.
Whatever way you want to schedule your time outdoors, make it a priority. Make it high on your list of values for your physical and mental health.
Nature Deficit Disorder, though not a true medical diagnosis yet, is a term to describe the physical and mental ailments that have resulted in our disconnection from nature. It is a way to describe the correlation between our health issues and our lack of time spent outdoors.
This article is meant to give you ideas to help prevent these issues, and maybe to even provide relief from ones already experienced. Nature is essential for human health and happiness. In some form or another, it is crucial that we experience it regularly in our lives.
As the naturalist John Muir once said, ““Everybody needs beauty…places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.”
Let’s dedicate time to getting outside. Lets prevent a nature deficit disorder in our families. As we spend more time outdoors we heal ourselves, our families, and our planet as a whole.
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The scene is typical. A desperate mom hovers over her “stubborn” child, practically begging them to complete their assignment. The child, overwhelmed with the amount of work laid out before them just wants to run out of the door to go outside and play on this sunny day. Neither of them are able to get through to one another. Both of them just innocently want to do what they feel is best.
Maybe this is your typical homeschool day. I know that it was mine for a long while. Unfortunately this is the lives of many who feel burnt out and overwhelmed from life with home education added to the mix. It is all too common because of the fast pace that we exist in today.
There is a common theme that more is better. More lessons, more extra curricular, and more on the to do list equals success. The rise of home education has become a popular choice for families because it promises slower days that enable more opportunities for children to play and create. But this hurried nature of mainstream living has begun to permeate into the homeschooling community.
There has been added pressure on parents to make sure that their children are keeping up with their peers in academics. With a lack of deschooling, parents are falling prey to the notion that more is better for their children’s success. The very reason they may have begun homeschooling in the first place is lost to worksheets and flash cards.
Sometimes having a reminder of why you are doing what you are doing is helpful in getting back on course. In this blog post, we are going to explore 5 proven ways to refresh an overwhelmed homeschooler.
The term “deschooling” is one that is tossed around the unschooling community, but it is just as important for regular homeschooling families as well. If you aren’t familiar with the process of deschooling, it is basically the process of unlearning the “bad” stuff that you probably picked up while in public school. As Albert Einstein once said, “Education is that which remains when one has forgotten everything he learned in school.“
When deschooling, it is important to remember the why behind your decision to homeschool. Was it because you realized the importance of play as a cornerstone for learning? Public schools are desperately lacking in playtime these days. In some schools, recess is as little as 15 minutes.
I think as parents we can sometimes forget that we have the power to open up the day for our kids when we homeschool. Who says that we have to sit down and do worksheets for 8 hours in order for our children to learn? Deschooling is remembering that learning takes place in almost everything that we do.
Deschooling is typically a process that is gone through by unschooling families, but I think that it can be a valuable process for any homeschooling family. There are many resources that teach parents how to deschool and shake off the pressure and stress that was instilled in them from their own schooling experience. It is truly helpful and transforming in reducing overwhelm with home education.
When we cast off the societal pressures of public school, we are able to see the natural learning process unfold in the lives of our children.
I know what you’re thinking, how can I do that when there is a schedule to keep in our curriculum? I am doubting that you chose to homeschool because you wanted to completely replicate a public education. What’s the point in that?
The beauty of homeschooling is the ability to follow your child’s lead. To go at their pace. Albert Einstein was a wise speaker in this regard, and I really relate to his quotes. He once said, ” Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing that it’s stupid.” It is okay to slow down and back off if your child is resisting.
When my oldest was in 1st grade, we went through a difficult phase of her resisting anything that resembled schooling. This just happens to be the age that she was to begin learning to read. The mom guilt and anxiety crept in as I worried about this process. My intuition told me that I should back off.
At first, I listened to the anxiety and the more I pushed, the more she pulled and we were getting nowhere. Eventually I decided to slow down, back off, and let her learn at her pace. The pace that would encourage a love of reading and not a withdrawal.
She is now in fourth grade, an enormous lover of books, and can read well beyond her age. The intuition was right in this scenario. Slowing down is exactly what was needed for her to flourish. Had I kept pushing, I doubt that she would be at the level of reading that she is at today.
Homeschooling provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and live a less hurried pace in life. Both you and your children will enjoy learning so much more when it isn’t forced or rushed.
Play comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is creative play, imaginative play, digital play, and the list goes on. Play is important for humans of all ages, it just may look very different depending on your stage of life.
When it comes to learning, play is probably the single most important factor to consider. There is so much scholarly research proving the benefits behind play based learning. I can think back to the catchy songs and slogans that I was taught in elementary school and have remembered after all of these years. What I can’t remember, however, are the many hours of formal lectures that I sat through.
Play is also an incredibly huge aspect of decompressing for kids which I will go into more later in this post. Between the physical and also cognitive benefits of playing, there are many reasons that play is a cornerstone for learning. From increasing curiosity to helping to build the physical structures that result in executive functioning in the brain, there are many reasons to promote playing in your homeschooling day.
When it comes to reducing the feelings of overwhelm in children, play should be the first line of defense. Whenever you are able to incorporate play into your learning, it will increase the overall sense of satisfaction and help your children thrive in their education.
Hand in hand with play is incorporating what your child loves into the homeschool day. Does your child have a particular interest in art? What about a specific interest such as dinosaurs? When you can incorporate these things into what they are learning, they will be more keen to delve into what you are trying to show them.
There are so many ideas out there, and Pinterest is a perfect place to find ideas to support your subject. From safari math to ideas for books on pirates, you can find just about anything and everything nowadays.
This is true even for adults. Whenever I am passionate about a subject, I am more willing to dive deeper into it and commit my time and attention. I am less likely to pay attention to things that I am not as interested in.
This one essential method has been the difference between scattered, inattentive homeschoolers in my home, to eager and hungry minds. We are able to research topics of interest and incorporate them into math, reading, science, social studies, etc. Even just letting them incorporate it in physical means, such as wearing a Spider-man costume and pretending to be Spider-man while doing math equations will pique their interests more.
When you can find and incorporate their passions and interests into learning, it opens a new door of potential and possibilities. No longer will you have to fight tooth and nail to get your children to sit down and complete a worksheet. They will naturally be drawn to learning because they will associate it with the things that they are passionate about.
Just as adults need outlets, children also need outlets to decompress from the stressors of school and childhood in general. A place to go for comfort or an activity that ignites passion are perfect outlets. Whether an outlet is physical in the form of play and art, or mental like escaping in a good book, outlets are important for all humans, young and old alike.
Think of what your child likes to do when they feel stressed and make sure they are able to partake in that activity often. For my children, this often looks like playing, art, wrestling, and reading, depending on which child. I always try and make time in the day for these activities. They are important to my children and that makes them important to me as well.
The rigorous nature of schooling and the process of learning and growing takes a tremendous amount of mental and sometimes physical energy. It’s no wonder that children love to play as much as they do.
With each activity, try and incorporate an outlet to break the monotony of the day. After practicing sight words for instance, maybe color a picture. The picture can even be one of the sight words you are practicing. It is a win-win. It serves as an outlet and as a fun way to remember the sight words you are learning.
Whichever outlet your kids enjoy, incorporating them into your homeschool day is a sure fire way of reducing overwhelm, both in you and your children.
Homeschooling is not meant to look like a public school day. There is a reason we decided to home educate our kids and I’m sure a part of it is to reduce the amount of overwhelm. Regardless, overwhelm can still occur, even in the most relaxed of homeschooling environments. Life itself is overwhelming at times.
When that overwhelm creeps into your day, you can incorporate these five proven ways to refresh your homeschooler. Everyone will benefit and there will be less stress and more connection between you and your children.
A slower pace of life in general is less overwhelming. We live in a world where busyness is worn like a crown. This busy pace of life for adults has begun to merge with our children in their most valuable phase of development. A phase of life that is important not to rush, but to savor.
If you are a simple soul, a homemaker, a nature lover, or just simply looking for some inspiration, then you’ll love my twice a month newsletter. Each one is created with the latest updates, tips and tricks for living simply, the best recipes, and how to’s. Wherever you are on your journey towards a simple life, the Borealis Mom community is here to cheer you on, teach you, and to give you more inspiration than you arrived with.
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Do you love the outdoors but struggle to find time for adventure now that you’re a mom? It’s a common challenge, but one that can be overcome with a little creativity and planning. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for how to find adventure as a mama who loves the outdoors – even with young kids in tow. From exploring your local area to building a community of outdoor-loving mamas, I’ll provide a road map for moms who want to experience the beauty of nature with their children. If you’re ready to make adventure a priority, keep reading.
One way to start finding adventure as a mama who loves the outdoors is by exploring your local area. You don’t have to go on a grand, multi-day excursion to experience the beauty of nature. Instead, start small and take advantage of the outdoor spaces in your own community. Visit a nearby park or nature reserve and go for a hike, pack a picnic and spend an afternoon in the sun, or go on a scavenger hunt to discover the plant and animal life in your local environment.
With a little bit of creativity, you can turn any outdoor activity into an adventure for you and your kids. And who knows – you may even discover hidden gems in your neighborhood that you never knew existed. Next, we’ll explore some more creative ways to turn outdoor play into adventure.
One way to take your outdoor play to the next level is to get creative and turn it into an adventure. Think outside the box and come up with fun activities that will challenge and excite your kids. For example, create a nature scavenger hunt where your kids will have to find specific plants, animals, or natural landmarks in your local park or nature reserve. Bring along a backpack with snacks, water, and a first aid kit, and let your kids lead the way. Another idea on how to find adventure is to turn a nature walk into a nature art project. Collect leaves, flowers, and rocks along the way and use them to create a beautiful collage or painting.
By getting creative, you can keep your kids engaged and entertained while enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your children and create lasting memories. But before you head out, make sure to choose kid-friendly hikes and trails that are suitable for your little ones.
Before you hit the trails with your little ones, it’s important to choose hikes and trails that are suitable for them. Look for trails that are relatively flat and not too steep, with easy-to-follow paths. Keep in mind that your kids may not have the same endurance as you, so shorter trails are a good option. Make sure to do your research ahead of time and read reviews from other parents who have taken their kids on the trails you are considering.
Also, consider the environment and climate of the trail you are planning to hike. Will your kids need extra layers of clothing or sunscreen? Will they need insect repellent or mosquito nets? Not only is it important to know how to find adventure, but preparing for these adventures ahead of time will make them much more enjoyable for everyone.
Choosing the right trail can make all the difference in creating a fun and successful outdoor adventure with your kids. Once you have chosen your trail, it’s time to pack the essentials and ensure that you are fully prepared for any scenario.
Choosing the perfect trail for your outdoor adventure can be a game-changer, but packing the essentials is equally crucial. Before you head out, create a checklist of everything you might need, including appropriate clothing, snacks, first aid kit, and water bottles. It’s essential to bring age-appropriate gear for your kids, like a carrier that suits their size or a stroller if the trail allows it.
Consider the weather and the time of day you plan to go hiking. Will you need additional layers of clothing or sunscreen? Will your kids need insect repellent or mosquito nets? Being fully prepared for any unforeseen event will make the hike much more pleasurable for everyone involved. Packing smartly will ensure that you have everything you need without over-packing, making it easier to carry on the trail.
Planning ahead and packing smartly will leave you with more time and focus to enjoy the adventure with your little ones. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to hit the trail and build a community of outdoor-loving mamas.
Spending time outdoors with your little ones can be a rewarding experience, but embarking on such an adventure alone can be daunting. This is where building a community of like-minded mamas can be incredibly beneficial. There’s something about sharing experiences with others that makes it easier to navigate the outdoors with your children. Whether it’s exchanging tips on the best gear or discussing child-friendly trails, a community of outdoor-loving mamas can provide invaluable support and encouragement.
So, how can you build this community? Social media is a great place to start. Join Facebook groups or follow Instagram accounts that focus on outdoor adventures with kids. Reach out to other moms who share your passion and exchange information about your favorite spots. You might even consider organizing a group hike or camping trip.
Building a community of outdoor-loving mamas not only provides a support system, but it also creates a sense of accountability. When you have others to plan adventures with, it becomes easier to prioritize these outings and make them a regular part of your routine.
By building this community, you can make adventure a priority for yourself and your family. So, gather your gear and your little ones and hit the trail with your newly found outdoor-loving friends.
Building a community of outdoor-loving mamas not only provides a support system but also creates a sense of accountability. When you have others to plan adventures with, it becomes easier to prioritize these outings and make them a regular part of your routine.
However, making adventure a priority starts with you. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of motherhood and forget about your own needs. But it’s important to remember that when you prioritize your physical and mental health, your family benefits too.
One way to make adventure a priority is to schedule it into your calendar. Treat it like any other appointment or commitment and stick to it. This could be a weekly hike, a monthly camping trip, or even a daily walk around your neighborhood.
Another way is to set goals for yourself and your family. Maybe you want to complete a certain number of hikes or explore a new trail every month. Setting these goals gives you something to work towards and helps you stay motivated. Plus, it’s a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.
Remember, making adventure a priority doesn’t mean you have to go on epic expeditions or spend a lot of money. It’s about finding joy in the simple things and making time for what you love. So, gather your gear and your little ones and hit the trail with your newly found outdoor-loving friends. And most importantly, have fun!,
Our most recent big adventure as a family was to Castner Glacier, about 2 hours South of Fairbanks, Alaska. We all left this adventure tired, inspired, and awe struck. If you need more ideas or inspiration, you can find it here.
Adventure is not just for the childless or those with older kids. Every mama who loves the outdoors can find time for adventure, even with young kids. By starting with small and local areas, turning outdoor play into adventure, choosing kid-friendly trails, planning ahead, building a community, and making adventure a priority, you can experience the beauty of nature with your little ones. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so enjoy the ride, mama! As the great explorer Jacques Cousteau said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Let the beauty of nature cast its spell on you and your family.
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