There is no doubt that in this fast paced, technological world, we need to make more of an effort to connect our children with nature – not only so that we raise the climate champions of the future, but for their own wellbeing, too.
We can buy all the toys in the world, but there is no replacement for a little time outdoors – play comes so naturally out in nature – sticks, stones, leaves and flowers all become the best new playthings.
Nature is the original and best sensory experience for babies, stimulating creativity in children, improving their focus and reducing stress and anxiety – not just whilst they are immersed in it, but long afterwards the positive effects can still be felt.
Of course, the same is true for their grown-ups too – if you are a stressed out mum or dad, if you are tired and in need of a break – some time out in nature, immersing yourself in its tranquillity, might be all you need to start feeling human again.
The benefits of nature connection for children include
- improving their physical health - reduce screen time, promote physical activity and contributing to all -round better physical health with some time outdoors in nature.
- emotional wellbeing – reduce your childs stress and anxiety, promote calm and feelings of relaxation, and generally improve their wellbeing with some simple time outdoors.
- cognitive development – enhance their sensory perception, observations skills, and problem-solving abilities
- imagination and creativity – being outside in the elements naturally encourages little ones to use their imaginations, getting creative with their methods of play and building the foundations of happy minds.
- Environmental awareness – whilst we don’t believe it is beneficial to scare children with the current state of nature – there is no doubt that the more time they spend outside, appreciating the natural world, the more likely they are to grow to become natures ambassadors, and take care of our planet for years to come.
So what can you do to encourage nature connection and enjoy all of these benefits with your children?
- Regular walks and trips out – whether it’s a local park, walk, or just any green space near you – find it and get out and visit it, as often as you can. We are lucky in Dorset to have plenty of green and blue space – if you live in a city – look out for local city farms, parks, rivers or gardens you can take a visit to.
- Add in some nature-based activities – gardening, building sculptures, making a nature journal, or just observing wildlife are all great things you can do whilst out and about, or when you are at home to encourage nature connection
- allow your child to lead the way – when you are out in nature, let your child take the lead – what to do, where to go, how to play – let them explore nature on their own terms and in their own time for them to feel the most benefits.
- Focus in on the senses – really home in on the sights, sounds and different textures to be found in nature. Smell is great – what do the leaves smell like when you break them up? There are fir trees that smell like oranges when you smash them up, which is such a lovely sensory experience for children to have.
- Be connected yourself – by modelling the behaviour you want to see in children, they will learn to become nature champions from you. I love an experiment I saw on social media – stand under the bough of a tree and ask the tree to touch you repeatedly (be polite to the tree of course!) – stand there long enough and the tree will obey and gently stroke you with its leaves! We had so much fun doing this in the woods together recently – it really made us feel like the trees were listening and was so magical when the tree touched our faces!
- Consider choosing a school or nursery that prioritises time outside. We have been really lucky in Dorset that a lot of our schools and nurseries have a strong outdoor provision – but not all of them do! Keep an eye out for forest schools – and anywhere that pushes for outdoor learning. We don’t have enough forest schools in Dorset – if you are an education provider – take this as your sign to open one, please! (there is of course a wonderful school in Ringwood that provides this).
I hope that helps! We are always looking for ways to spend more time outdoors – if you haven’t already then take a look at 1000 hours outside for some inspiration and prompts to get outdoors with your family.
