By Andi Anderson
Green spaces near a child’s home can greatly support brain growth and family well-being, according to a recent study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The research focused on children under the age of two and studied how access to nearby outdoor areas influenced their development by age four or five.
The study used data from 435 families involved in the STRONG Kids2 project in the U.S. Midwest. Researchers also examined outdoor features like trees, grass, sandboxes, decks, and storage areas using Google Earth.
Lead researcher Samantha Iwinski explained that they wanted to see how the environment outside a home combines with household conditions to shape a child’s executive function (EF). EF includes skills such as attention control, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
The study found that children who had access to trees, sandboxes, or storage for outdoor toys before age two showed stronger “cold” executive function by age four. These activities help children engage their senses and encourage movement and curiosity.
Meanwhile, “hot” executive function—managing emotions—was better among children who had an outdoor sitting area or lived on a farm. Sitting areas support talking and bonding, while farms often provide close-knit community experiences.
The research also found that more green space near the home led to calmer households with less noise and chaos. A peaceful environment supports mental wellness for both children and parents.
Interestingly, early household chaos was sometimes linked with better EF at age four, possibly due to children learning how to adapt in busy or unpredictable environments.
The study suggests that access to nature and outdoor play is important for all families, especially those in lower-income areas who may lack safe green spaces. Policies to create more parks and outdoor spaces can help.
Iwinski encouraged parents and teachers to guide kids in outdoor play and routines. She said, “It’s not just about helping your child, but also yourself, because outdoor activities promote mental health and restoration for everyone.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle