National Trust survey also found that nine out of 10 parents would prefer offspring to spend childhood connecting with nature. Children today spend half the time their parents did playing outside, a survey suggests. While more than four-fifths (83%) of parents questioned thought it was important their children learned to use technology, nine out of 10 would prefer them to spend their childhood outdoors, developing a connection with nature.
Almost all (96%) of the 1,001 parents with children aged between four and 14 quizzed for the National Trust thought it was important their children had a connection with nature and thought playing outdoors was important for their development.
The research found, on average, children were playing outside for just over four hours a week, compared to 8.2 hours a week when the adults questioned were children.
The Trust has a list of 50 things for children to do before they turn 11 and three-quarters to get them engaging with the outdoors, including climbing a tree, building a den, playing pooh sticks, hunting for bugs and going stargazing.
The Trust is also championing the humble stick as the “must-have” toy to inspire children’s imaginations and creative play.
Read more at the Guardian
