Because kids love to be barefoot!
Being barefoot is not only the preferred footwear of many children but also comes with substantial health benefits to young and old alike. Bare Soles Explorer’s mission is to Raise Awareness to the Importance for Kids to Explore the Great Outdoors. We want to encourage children and adults to “be a kid again” – put away the video games, turn off the television, shut down the computer – get outdoors and go exploring! Go for a hike in the woods, a walk in a historical park, or paddle a scenic kayak route. We encourage learning through nature play, whether at a park, in the woods, or in your own backyard. Help us get others excited about exploring nature. Learn more about the Why
Why should children explore the great outdoors?
Evidence exists that playing video games in moderation can improve skills in children including “processing speed, executive functioning and cognitive flexibility”. Moderation is the key word. Research by Kaiser Family Foundation shows children’s screen times can average as much as 7.5 hours each day with up to 4.5 hours spent watching television. Active children who only average half this number will spend appropriately 1300 hours a year in front of a computer, cell phone or television.
HOURS A DAY WATCHING TELEVISION
HOURS A DAY IN FRONT OF A SCREEN
HOURS A YEAR ON A DEVICE
Excessive screen time can lead to sleep problems and lower grades in school. Limited physical activity can lead to not only health but also social related issues. Consequently, balancing your child’s screen time can have positive results. Children can familiarize themselves with programming, learn coordination skills, develop workforce skills, and access vast database of knowledge. The key is finding a balance between technology and activity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children’s screen time to be limited to under 60 minutes per day on school days and under 2 hours on non-school days. It is also recommended that children have some days with no screen time.
Healthy childhoods need surprises! Creative play encourages curiosity, growth of the imagination, exploration of the physical world, and exercise of the mind and body. Limiting screen time gives children more time to get outdoors, exercise, use their imagination or expand their mind through leisurely activities like reading a book, drawing, or painting. Studies have shown that reducing screen time has positive effects on a child’s “physical, social, and behavioral well-being”.
Who can participate?
Everyone can join in on our adventure. You, your family, and your friends can easily participate. And it’s free! Just get outdoors and start exploring. Needing ideas? Explore the Adventure Ideas page.
How to become an explorer?
Share your adventures. Share a photo or video of your shoed or shoeless adventure with #baresolesexplorer or tag us on social media @baresolesexplorer.
Your kids will remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them.
Kids outgrow stuff,
they never outgrow adventures.