We all know what it's like when the kids complain, boss you around or you have a short fuse. I think every parent can recognize it! What helps in our house? Going outside! Whether it's for a walk, cycling, playing on the beach, picking flowers, or whatever, it always helps with the mood!
And how can that be that it always helps to get outside for some outdoor play?
Most likely you already know the answer from yourself. Because what happens when you go outside? You get calm, right? Nature also has this calming effect on children. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety. This is likely because nature provides a sense of peace and tranquility. So kids who play outdoor every day often get calmer in the nervesystem. Playtime in nature is important for all aspects of child development. When children spend time in nature, they have the opportunity to develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. We can look at nature like a big classroom. Children can learn about science, math, language, and art all while having fun outdoors. For example, they can learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, measure the height of a tree, or write a story about their favorite nature spot. Nature is like one big playground with endless opportunities to explore the body: to climb trees, run through fields, and balance on rocks.
And if all this did not convince you then maybe some of those benefits of being outside for your child can:
Improved physical health:
Children who spend more time outdoors are more likely to be physically active and have lower rates of obesity, improved bone health, and prevention of allergies and asthma.
Enhanced cognitive function:
Children who play in nature have been shown to have better attention spans, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Increased creativity and imagination:
Nature provides children with a variety of stimuli to explore and interact with, which can boost their creativity and imagination.
Reduced stress and anxiety:
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being in children.
From this, we can conclude that playing in nature is essential for all aspects of children’s development. It helps children to develop their physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and sensory skills. It also helps to promote their overall well-being. So, how do we start to get more out of nature? That is a good question! I have made a list of what helps us:
Make nature a part of your daily routine.
We are always out after breakfast either for a walk, playing on the beach, or playground, or swimming in the ocean.
Find a nature spot near you that your children will enjoy.
This could be a park, forest, beach, or even your own backyard.
Provide your children with opportunities to explore nature.
Give them shovels and buckets to play in the sand, let them climb trees, and encourage them to observe the plants and animals around them.
Make nature learning fun.
There are many ways to make learning about nature fun for children, such as playing games, reading books, and doing science experiments.
Be a role model.
Show your children that you enjoy spending time in nature by going outdoors yourself and talking about the things you see.
But the most important to remember about kids and nature will always be:
Let your children's imaginations run wild. Don't be afraid to let them explore
and experiment on their own in nature.
If we provide the children with the time and space to explore their own interests at their own pace in nature. They can feel the soft grass under their feet, smell the fresh air, and hear the birds singing in the trees. They don't have to worry about following rules or schedules. This type of free play is the most essential for children's creativity and imagination. What do you like to do in the nature with your kids?
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