Letting kids go it alone (even the little ones)

PLUS: Connect with nature to boost your mood, immune system [View this email online]( [NPR Health]( April 24, 2022 by [Suzette Lohmeyer]( Happy Sunday, Health fam! Lots of good info this week for people who have kiddos in their lives, including a [new puberty guide]( that encourages self-confidence, and a call to [give kids more autonomy](. Plus, how to get your [daily dose of nature]( and why you might want to [keep your mask on]( when you commute. --------------------------------------------------------------- Letting kids go it alone [kids go it alone image]( Netflix / screengrab by NPR Ready for your American parenting ideology to be rocked? It's time to give even little kids more autonomy, say experts — as in, 4-year-olds running errands on their own, kind of autonomy. Why? Studies have linked early autonomy to [long-term motivation, independence and confidence](. It is also associated with better performance in school and a decreased risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Wow. Head to the corner store and grab us some milk please, junior. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Get your dose of nature [nature image]( Angela Hsieh/NPR Even a little bit of time in nature has amazing mood-lifting benefits and boosts our immune system. What's not to love! That's why it's important to make a connection with the outdoors a part of your everyday routine — just like taking a vitamin, say experts. So whether you're gearing up for a backpacking trip or a virtual aquarium tour, here are [five steps you can take]( to get closer to nature. [Picture Show: How planting trees changed one filmmaker's life](. Why you might want to mask-up for your commute [commute mask image]( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Just how likely are you to pick up a case of COVID-19 on that upcoming flight, bus commute or train ride? This is what many Americans are trying to gauge after a Florida judge's ruling halted the federal requirement to wear a mask on most forms of public transit. Here's a [rundown of risk levels]( on different forms of transport. Before you go [puberty guide image]( Girlology - A new puberty guide replaces [anxiety with self-confidence](. - Millions of Americans are exposed to [unhealthy air](. - Comic: Young people [battle climate change](. - Drug overdose deaths are at a [record high](. - Shackling pregnant inmates [still occurs](. We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of [NPR's health journalism]( on Shots and follow us on Twitter at [@NPRHealth](. All best, Suzette Lohmeyer and your Shots editors --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [shots@npr.org](mailto:shots@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]