November 14th

By Mutt Mulligan

Head outside for meaningful conversations with kids

Parents who want to have a thoughtful chat with their children should take their talk outside. According to a new study, communication between parents and children is more responsive and connected when they were outside instead of inside.

The study was conducted by researchers at The University of Manchester and Cardiff University. The scientists recorded talks between parents and their kids, aged 3-4. They honed in on this age group because these children typically have a lot to say, but it can be challenging to focus the conversation.

Being outside helps.

Discussions held outside, according to the study, flowed better and resulted in more open, honest communication. One possible reason? Being outside lowers stress and creates a more positive mood in adults and children, creating a good atmosphere for communication. Another contributing factor is that being outside creates more connection and higher levels of attention than being inside, the researchers hypothesized.

Nature starts at your back door.

The good news is that nature starts in your own backyard. So, you don’t have to go far to foster meaningful conversations with your kids.

This is just one of the many reasons why being in green space is good for our health and well-being. Learn more by visiting www.SaveLivingLandscapes.com.