Now that spring has sprung and winter hibernation is coming to an end, Adam Bienenstock wants parents, and the public at large, to think about an important idea.
“Good decisions are perfectly timed with weather changes,” he says.
In other words, your brain functions better when faced with the wonders of nature, so get outside.
Bienenstock, a groundbreaking playground designer, children’s rights advocate, and speaker worldwide on the importance of children’s connection to nature, joined us in conversation with members of the Niagara Horticultural Society. Inside, he delivered this message to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
With 40 years of experience building sensory-rich play spaces while promoting the raw beauty of uninhabited natural environments, Bienenstock has shown a direct correlation between nature and improved mental health. He said he has seen firsthand that there is a connection.
“Most of what we thought intuitively is now supported by science,” he said, adding that thousands of doctors around the world now offer patients natural remedies as treatments for a variety of illnesses. He pointed out that he was prescribing it.
Take for example the reported prevalence of anxiety and depression among today’s youth.
A report released by the Conference Board of Canada in December found that an estimated 1.6 million children and teens in the country suffer from a mental health disorder, and that 20% of young people report good mental health. It is shown that it is decreasing over the years.
Bienenstock’s answer was to create an elaborate outdoor playground integrated with nature that is proven to counter bullying, attention deficit, and aggression while fostering creativity and collaboration. .
The goal is a confident, sociable young person with improved social skills.
“Playgrounds built in North America cater to bullying,” he says.
“Plastic and steel (structures) are just physical play. You’re creating a space for the king of the castle. Time spent outdoors in a sensory-rich environment reduces aggressive behavior by 87%.” I understand.”
Bienenstock’s natural playground creations integrate all of the earth and allow children to roam, play, touch and feel nature.
His company features winding path designs that mimic the flow of a river, carved log benches and slides, mirrored walls and chalkboards to encourage creativity, and for those who want to bring out their dramatic side and role play. created a space with a tree house. Childish tame bliss.
Although the design is unique, in the eyes of many, technology is still the culprit behind the loss of outdoor play.
Screen time on our phones and tablets seems to increase every year, thanks to the rise of the next best apps, social media platforms, and gadgets.
“The alternatives have to be more convincing,” Bienenstock said. “You can’t just say ‘turn off your phone’. Do something,” he added.
“It’s not complicated. Give them sticks and mud, go out into the woods, and you’ll see them light up.”
Richard Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lake Report
