Happy Spring!

Posted on March 21, 2014

Now that spring is officially here, the weather is ripe for all kinds of outdoor activities. Beach days, camping trips, and picnics at the park are just some of the ways to enjoy the beautiful world we live in. Both planned activities like these and more impromptu things like digging in the dirt are ways to connect with your children. Free from external distractions like TV, homework, dishes, or iPhones, you and your child can discover the world together. Whether you’re simply in the backyard or in a national park, being in nature serves as a calming influence and provides opportunities to talk about big things and small things in a low stress environment.

In a Canadian study of college students, even short term exposure to nature resulted in “fewer negative emotions”. Those who “walked along the urban greenway reported feeling more positive, more relaxed and more fascinated with life” compared to those who walked through concrete tunnels. For children, benefits of nearby nature are just as profound. The Conversation  recently posted an article summarizing some of nature’s benefits. From better births to effective ADHD therapy to more self-discipline in teenage girls, even small interactions with nature have huge positive effects in our lives.

We’ve previously discussed the problem of Nature Deficit Disorder. So how to remedy that while still keeping your children safe? Instead of fearing that your children will be harmed, give them the tools to be safe. The founder of the Children and Nature Network Richard Louv suggests becoming a “hummingbird parent” and distinguishing between reasonable risks and dangerous situations.

Beyond the emotional benefits of being in nature, kids gain an opportunity to play in open ended ways. A rock can be anything–a mountain, a fort, a castle, a stepping stone, a ship, etc. Imaginative play, physical play, cooperative play, and investigative play all happen effortlessly in nature. Need some ideas for more structured outings? The Nature Conservancy has a wonderful website called Nature Rocks with activities sortable by age range, location (park, backyard, water, etc.), time frame, and even weather. Looking for a quick activity to do in your backyard on a sunny day? They’ve got over twenty ideas!

So get out! Enjoy spring and enjoy your family! We’d love to hear about your favorite nature activities on Twitter and Facebook!