In today’s digital age, reducing screen time and embracing nature-based learning is more crucial than ever.
Loving parents want the best for their children, so many opt to keep them indoors in today’s often scary world. Most offer tablets, TVs, or smartphones to keep them quiet yet busy. They load digital devices with educational games and videos to prepare their babies for kindergarten. Sadly, an entire generation appears to believe that screen-based learning inside the house is best and that unstructured outdoor play with friends is unsafe and dangerous. Current research on infant and toddler screen time disputes those beliefs.
Most young children love being outside! Outdoors is where kids marvel at fluffy clouds, splash in muddy streams, and pick flowers to give to their mothers. Nature reveals God’s unique creations, and most children want to know more about them.
Nature-based learning shows that children learn best by moving, exploring, and sharing what they see, hear, and touch in the natural world. Early childhood educators know this, so they implement outdoor time and nature exploration into their lesson plans. Playing outdoors is essential for an understanding of the physical world, a core concept of nature-based learning.
Mr. Rogers said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” And Jean Piaget, the esteemed child psychologist, wrote, “Play is the work of children.”
Since play is serious learning and children’s work, ask yourself, “What are my children working on in their play?” Are they learning to sit for long periods interacting with a machine, or are they learning to share? Are they learning to cook and care for others, to help and not hurt, to take turns, or to keep trying when they fail? Playing alone on a device disengages children emotionally and does not teach real-world skills or prepare them for school.
Jesus paid close attention to the needs of children, often stopping along His way to speak to them. In Matthew 19:14, He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to these.” Jesus cared for the welfare of children.
In those days and recent generations, children learned from the natural world and their parents. They learned to care for animals, family, and friends. They knew about God as they worshipped alongside their parents. In other words, they learned by observing and copying others. Those teaching methods are still the most effective ways for children to know about life in God’s natural world.
Can we talk about excessive screen usage? Many parents know young children should spend minimal time watching shows or playing games on a handheld electronic device, like a tablet or smartphone. Yet recent research from Australia proved objectively that most parents in the study overused technology and exceeded the limits recommended by experts.
The 2023 research found that only eleven percent of children ages six months to twenty-four months watched screens for one hour or less. Stated another way, eighty-nine percent exceeded the screen-watching limits! And sadly, the screen viewing increased as the child aged.
Babies often prefer screen-based activities over real-world interactions. When shown a smartphone, they grab it! Sadly, those screens distract children from learning about the natural world and can delay the development of talking and getting along with others. Those deficiencies may follow them throughout their life.
Parents are stressed, and babysitting grandparents want to please their grandchildren. But for your child’s sake, take a sober look at the play opportunities your baby enjoys each day. Homes should decrease screen time and increase unstructured outdoor time.
I recommend measuring the screen time your kid enjoys and doubling that amount for outside play. For example, suppose your little ones watch one hour of digital content daily (shows, videos, games). In that case, they need two hours of outside time, preferably with other children. You could do one hour in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Every activity your child engages in, from digging and dumping to running and climbing, strengthens their body and imagination. The well-rounded child develops best from non-structured physical play with friends in the real world. Too much time viewing content on a device leads to weak and overweight bodies, poor sleep, loneliness, and a lack of self-confidence when interacting face-to-face with others, making nature-based learning crucial. Adding unstructured outside play into your child’s daily routines benefits them greatly.
We know from Genesis that, in the beginning, God created everything we need. Notice that the Scriptures do not list televisions, smartphones, and iPads. While adults need those devices today, young children do not. Your child’s world should be offline, engaged with people and natural things.
Children have long managed to grow up and succeed without technology. Look at the magnificent accomplishments of young David as he destroyed Goliath with a rock and sling or young Mary as she carried and raised Jesus without a parenting help book. Without technology, David became a king, and Mary raised one.
God has a plan for your child’s life. If your son spends too much time online, will he be strong, caring, and ready for God’s path? Will your daughter be equipped to raise children, run a home, and teach her babies about Jesus if she prefers avatars and cartoon characters to real people?
Our young ones learn about the Creator outside in nature, a foundational principle of nature-based learning, just like they always have. While the digital age has created new parenting challenges, God has equipped you for these times.
Embrace the challenge and go back to what has always worked. Get your little ones outdoors, creating their own games without excessive parental guidance and rules. They have plenty of time later to become tied to a device. Give yourself permission to relax and trust God’s plans. Your child has you and the natural world. Those remain your child’s best teachers, especially in the early years.
Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist and early intervention specialist with four decades of experience. An award-winning author, Ginny’s writes to guide the hands that hold the babies. Be on the lookout for her upcoming book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year coming in 2025. She is the mother of two grown sons, married to her college sweetheart, and enjoys hiking and camping in state and national parks, reading, and watching birds. Connect at ginnycruz.com and subscribe to her newsletter for more developmental tips.
Read More About:
Build a strong family by creating a family purpose. Everyone from the smallest to your teens will feel the unity.
Interesting history, fun activities, and meaningful ways to prepare, reflect, and renew your hearts together.
During this time of the year, our culture floats various definitions and examples of love towards our children. Use these activities and ideas to create a meaningful Valentine’s Day for your whole family.
