Once upon a time human beings were intimately connected with the rhythms of the earth. We knew her cycles, and respected them. The earth spoke to us about herself and we listened. We were grounded in her life-giving energy.
Our children knew how to laugh and play. They ran, climbed, or sat with nature. They came inside when it got dark. Their bodies told them when they were tired or hungry.
Playing in Nature
In nature, children develop their mental health, physical health, cognitive health, emotional health, social skills, and play skills. The benefits of playing in nature include:
- Empowers Concentration
- Boosts Cheerfulness
- Encourages Creativity
- Promotes Calming
- Elicits Compassion
- Improves Communication
- Provides Catharsis
- Enhances Connections
- Builds Character
- Invites Cooperation
- Inspires Confidence
- Welcomes Curiosity
Wonder and Awe
Children are born with the ability to wonder and have awe. As a family, walk together with them in wonder and awe! It does not have to be a huge experience. It can be as simple as a walk in the woods. One day your children will remember this time together with you!
- Provide ample time to explore nature hands-on
- Don’t have a particular plan when playing outside
- Cultivate a slow lifestyle that allows the child to become bored
Nature Walks
- Helps to focus on the senses. Invites children and teens to identify things they see, hear, smell and touch. Taste can be imagined.
- Can be grounding, especially if shoes are taken off and walking on the ground.
- Stops can be made as desired. Finding a sit spot after or during a nature walk helps continue the regulating process.
- For older children and teens, look out for signs of resilience and/or hope from nature.
- Bring a bag with items such as a magnifying glass, binoculars, compass, flashlight, plastic tweezers, insect net, small shovel, sketch pad, crayons or colored pencils, camera, cell phone, baggies, and a whistle.
- Leave everything as you found it.
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