Fresh Air is Beneficial for Families
Home designers and married couple Nora Lee and Marcus Grant discuss outdoor activities, mental wellness, and yard designs with Home Insemination Kit.
In today’s digital age, it’s no secret that children are surrounded by screens, from smartphones to video games, which can make them reluctant to step outside. According to a recent report by Claritin’s The Outsideologist Project, youngsters spend less than eight minutes a day playing outdoors, while they are indoors for over seven hours. To combat this trend, Nora and Marcus, parents to 7-year-old Mia and 4-year-old Leo, have partnered with Claritin to help instill a love for the outdoors in children.
“For us, the outdoors is the foundation of both creativity and connection, which is crucial for kids,” Marcus, 38, shares with Home Insemination Kit. The couple was disheartened to learn that while most parents cherish their childhood memories of outdoor play, a survey by Claritin revealed that 74% believe their children do not play outside often enough.
“There’s a certain innocence in being outdoors. The mental and physical health advantages of fresh air can’t be overstated,” Nora explains. Marcus adds, “We always seek beauty and adventure, even if it’s chilly outside.”
Outdoor play provides numerous health benefits for kids, like vitamin D and exercise, while also fostering social skills and helping them develop executive functioning abilities, such as planning and multitasking. But how can parents encourage their screen-focused children to embrace the outdoors?
1. Find an Engaging Motivator
Nora suggests using a dog leash as a tool to get kids excited. “Let’s take the dog out, and you can walk him. That really grabs their attention!” she says. “Or, grab some chalk and take it outside for hopscotch or sidewalk art.” Family picnics and walks to interesting landmarks can also spark curiosity.
2. Turn It Into a Game
The couple, currently working on Season 2 of their show, has learned that every outing in New York City can be an adventure. “Sometimes it’s great, sometimes not,” Marcus jokes. He recalls how his mom had him find something beautiful during their walks. He has continued this tradition with Mia and Leo, asking them to point out anything they find lovely, be it a flower or a sunset.
3. Explore Different Environments
Nora and Marcus are lucky to have homes in both the city and a more rural area. “The kids enjoy the best of both worlds,” Marcus says. “In the city, they connect with the community, and in Montauk, they explore freely.”
4. Design a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space
You might wonder how this stylish couple creates an inviting outdoor area for their kids. “Functionality is key,” Nora explains. They design spaces that are safe and enjoyable for their children, ensuring that play areas are well-defined and easy to maintain.
5. Cherish Every Moment Together
“As designers and as parents, we focus on crafting spaces that foster memories,” Nora shares. They embrace this vibrant phase of their children’s lives while making time for self-care. “Our family time is what truly matters,” she concludes.
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Summary
In a world dominated by screens, it’s crucial for parents to encourage outdoor play. Nora and Marcus share five strategies: finding engaging motivators, turning activities into games, exploring diverse environments, creating kid-friendly spaces, and cherishing family moments.