A conversation took place between me and my eight year old son recently. Thanks to my stenographer I am able to report the incident word by word:

Me: You know Sam, I think it is time to move on, you know, go find yourself.

Sam: Dad, you don’t make sense.

Me: Don’t you want to explore the world and discover new things?

Sam: Not really.

Me: Well, I think it’s time you leave.

Sam: Leave where?

Me: Anywhere…outside.

Sam: Nah, I feel like staying inside.

Me: You don’t have a choice. I am kicking you out of the house.

Sam: What!? I’m just a kid.

Me: Exactly.

Yes, I did. I kicked my eight-year-old out of the house…well, for the afternoon.

In 2004, a University of Illinois study found that children with ADHD experience “significant symptom abatement” after the children spend time outdoors. In 2005, a study conducted by the California Department of Education showed students improving Science test scores by 27 percent after taking week-long classes outdoors. And in 2006 Connecticut launched a state initiative to get kids outdoors and in the state parks. In fact, the US Forrest Service funds dozens of programs designed to get kids off the couch and outdoors!

Studies after study are being conducted to show what our parents and grandparents have known for ages. Being outdoors is good, very good. And not just for us parents. Some children with allergies and asthma actually breathe better outdoors than inside. Over- active children seem more relaxed and less agitated when outdoors – I have witnessed this first hand on many occasions. And when I recently asked friends and colleagues to describe the activities they are most relaxed doing, their responses were no surprise: Golfing, fishing, jogging, gardening, hiking, swimming, and walking.  

Yet, most of us and our children spend most of the time watching television, chatting online, or playing video games inside.       

A case could be made by my son that I just wanted him out of the house because I need peace and quiet, because I want uninterrupted time to talk with my wife about the past week’s events, or because I need time to finish writing an overdue article. But the research is in - and it all points to the overwhelming health, behavior, and mental benefits of being outdoors.

Our system has been so absorbed with “no child left behind” that they failed to see that “no child should be left inside”. Many school districts are even doing away with classroom pets. No fish, red-ear sliders, or birds. No hermit crabs, hamsters, or snakes. Not even ladybugs. Ladybugs!! 

Maybe the policy-makers and administrators need to get outside too. We are so connected to our cell phones, computers, and electronics that we have become disconnected with the great outdoors and all she has to offer. It’s time we switch things around, pull the plug, and disconnect from the indoors. No parent and definitely no child should be left inside!       

I could go on and on but I too need to disconnect, get some fresh air, and make sure my son hasn’t left to join the circus.