Nature and Children

Every year parents spend hundreds, if not thousands, on toys and activities for their kids. While many of things are great for keeping young minds and bodies active, many of them are unnecessary. Sure children need structured play, but they also need "free" play and this is easy to do when the world's largest playground is right outside your back door. Why not let them play outside?

Nature, The Ultimate Playground for Children

Every toy, book, and TV show that comes out has been designed and redesigned several times in order to make it educational and entertaining for children. The great thing about nature is that, while being entertaining and stimulating to the imagination, it’s also educational. Nature can teach children the basics of science, economics, and creativity.

It’s cheap. Depending on where you live, exploring nature is usually pretty inexpensive, if not free. It may mean going out in your backyard, local park, or perhaps going to the local nature center or state park (which usually have low cost fees or memberships). This way, you don’t have to pay for expensive toys, jungle gyms, or memberships to expensive entertainment centers, but you still get the benefit of stimulating and educational play.

It makes them think. Lately there’s been a trend in education towards inquiry based learning. Researchers have found that if students explore and experiment to figure out answers on their own, they’re going to learn better, and retain more information. It also helps them develop skills to be able to learn things on their own later. What better environment to learn things than out in nature. There are lessons for children of all ages to discover about the world around them.

It may help the world. Everyone these days is trying to be more green and more environmentally conscious. What better way to help do your part than to get your children interested in their own planet than right now when they’re young and impressionable? What might be a fun time for them now, might be a future hobby, career, or world saving invention.

It’s fun. While it’s easy to forget, childhood isn’t just for learning about how to be an adult, it’s also about having fun. Nature gives children a chance to use their imagination and be free to just be kids.

While unstructured play outside is great for children, you can also find a lot of places offering structured classes and learning sessions for kids that focus on the natural world. Check your local park, zoo, or museum. There’s a good chance they have classes you can sign up for, and since many of these places are not for profit, they’re usually affordable as well as informative.

Across the world, there are millions being spent to help promote sending your children outside to learn from nature. That’s because spending time in the outside world is so important for developing minds. It can also be a great escape for you as well.

Nature Walk With Kids To Improve Their Emotional Well-Being

When you’re looking for something to do with your children, consider taking a nature walk with them. Studies have shown nature walks improve your child’s emotional well being. Let’s take a look at how nature walks benefit your child and how to take a nature walk with your children.

Nature Walks Help Children Concentrate

Take a walk outside and you’ll notice a few things. You’ll notice you almost immediately feel calmer and more relaxed. You’ll notice your mind may stop jumping from thought to thought. Instead, of thinking about that project that’s due or that bill you have to pay, you’ll notice the rabbit sitting in the grass or the strange bird chirping in the tree. You’ll notice the colors of the leaves on the trees and feel the sunshine on your shoulders. In short, your mind clears and you begin to focus on the present moment.

The same thing happens for children. If your children are older then chances are they’re living extraordinarily busy lives. Nature walks will help them concentrate and focus on the present. In fact studies have shown that nature walks for children with attention deficit issues were just as effective if not more so than medication to improve their concentration.

Nature Walks Build Confidence

Nature walks tend to generate curiosity and a sense of exploration in children. They wonder what that funny orange moss was or why the snake was lying on that rock in the sun. This sense of wonder and curiosity helps them feel a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s almost magical to watch children come out of their shells on a nature walk. Their shoulders straighten, their eyes light up and confidence and curiosity beam from them.

Nature Walks Boost Emotions

Many forms of therapy use Nature to treat depression, trauma, and to boost mood. This is because nature is a proven method to boost mood and reduce aggression in children. Scientists haven’t pinpointed the exact reasons why this occurs. Some theorize that sunlight has a chemical effect on mood. We do know that people suffer from SAD, seasonal affective disorder, which occurs during the long months of winter when people don’t receive enough sunlight.

Other’s have studied the effects of greenery on children and have found that children with more nature in their schools, more greenery, get better grades, have fewer behavior problems, and generally perform better in school.

If you’re new to nature walks, start small and local. Choose trails or parks nearby and let your family gradually build up to longer walks. Get your children interested by pointing out interesting features and encourage them to show you what interests them.

Many physicians and counselors actually prescribe “nature walk therapy†for their patients who are suffering from stress and anxiety issues, who have high blood pressure, depression or other mood related concerns or who need to improve their attention span.

In addition to helping children focus, giving them more self-confidence and boosting their mood, taking a nature walk with your children helps foster the bond between you and your children. It creates fond memories, lets your child know that you enjoy quiet time with them in nature and gives them an overall appreciation for life.