Nature offers us a reprieve from the chaos and distractions of our fast-paced, connected world. Finding stillness in the midst of constant movement allows us to focus on the present and find peace and grounding in the moment.
I truly believe that by consistently bringing our children outside, we help shape their childhoods and influence them to live a life full of gratitude and meaning. Our children are the inheritors of this planet and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have a foundation a love and appreciation for our Earth.
My goal as an outdoor mama is to raise a happy and healthy human who has solid coping mechanisms in place for stress. I am providing him with experiences that I hope he can lean into when he has to deal with the heaviness that life will inevitably present.
As Sylas and I journey through and explore the rugged Canadian Rockies that is in our backyard, I am on a mission to instil in him an appreciation and connection to our wonderful Earth. And while he may not remember these early adventures, I am confident that these experiences will influence his ideologies and values for years to come.
At just a year old, this little guy is experiencing the world in all its glory through his five senses: he feels the crisp, cool wind against his delicate cheeks, hears the sweet melodies of the whisky jacks, smells the pungent, evergreen needles, and sees the lush forest and majestic mountains with awe.
Taste, well that one is a bit of a stretch but he definitely has picked up and tasted some dirt and snow so far! And we always have lots of yummy, healthy snacks when we’re out adventuring.
Nature Promotes Physical Well-Being
By incorporating outdoor playtime into our children's daily routines, we are providing them with a multitude of physical benefits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
1. Boosts physical activity levels
Bringing children outside encourages physical activity and exploration, helping to build their strength and coordination. When children play outside in Nature, they can engage in activities like running, jumping, climbing, and biking, which can help to improve their overall sense of well-being. This increased activity also leads to improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system, reducing their risk of chronic health conditions.
2. Encourages healthy habits
Allocating time to play outside can also encourage healthy habits in our children. Children are more likely to be physically active, which can improve their physical health and reduce their risk of chronic health conditions. Additionally, outdoor playtime can encourage children to make healthier food choices, as they are exposed to fresh foods and natural snacks.
3. Enhances cognitive development
Nature presents a wealth of opportunities for children to learn and explore. By bringing children outside, we are providing them with a chance to learn about the environment, science, and their place in the world. This type of experience can enhance their cognitive development, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and discovery.
4. Healthy sleep routines
Outdoor playtime can also help children develop a healthy sleep routine. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can improve their sleep patterns and quality, promoting better physical and emotional health.
Mental Benefits of Children Outside
There are major connections between physical and mental well-being with the physical having shown to have a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem.
The simple act of being outside and connecting with Nature can bring a sense of awe and wonder, allowing us to escape the distractions and heaviness of our daily lives. As a child who grew up with a lot of playtime outside, I can attest to tapping into Nature as a coping mechanism to stress as an adult.
1. Decreases stress and anxiety levels
The fast-paced and often over-stimulating world of technology can take a toll on children's mental well-being. By giving them lots of time to play outside, we are providing them with an opportunity to escape this stimulation which allows their minds to quiet down and reduces their stress and anxiety levels.
2. Elevates mood and overall well-being
Nature has the power to elevate our mood and improve our overall well-being. Children outside are exposed to fresh air, natural light, and a sense of peace and serenity, all of which can help to improve their mood and increase feelings of happiness and contentment.
3. Hones problem-solving skills
Bringing children outside also presents new and unique challenges that require them to think critically and creatively to solve problems. This type of experience can help to build their confidence and critical thinking skills, preparing them for a lifetime of problem-solving.
4. Enhances creativity and imagination
Bringing children outside can help to enhance creativity and imagination. The natural world is a constant source of inspiration, providing children with endless opportunities to explore and imagine. By bringing children outside, we are nurturing their creativity and providing them with a space to let their imaginations soar.
5. Enhances focus and attention
Bringing children outside can help to improve focus and attention. By providing a break from the constant stimulation of technology and other indoor activities, children are able to focus better, allowing them to engage more fully in the present moment.
6. Increases Self Esteem
When children independently play outside, they have the opportunity to engage in activities that allow them to explore and make their own decisions. This can help them feel more confident and capable, which in turn can boost their self-esteem.
Additionally, spending time outside with peers can provide opportunities for children to interact and engage with others in a positive way. This can help to build their social skills and self-esteem, as well as foster positive relationships.
A Life-long Appreciative & Grateful Attitude
Spending time in Nature can help children develop an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, such as playing with sticks and rocks, rather than always needing the latest toys or gadgets.
Exposing children to Nature can help them develop a sense of appreciation and gratitude in several ways:
- Connecting with the natural world: Spending time in Nature can help children develop a connection to the natural world and a sense of wonder and awe for its beauty and complexity. This can increase their appreciation for the environment and lead to a greater understanding of its importance.
- Promoting gratitude: Exposure to Nature can increase feelings of connectedness to others and to the world. This can lead to a greater sense of gratitude for the environment and the resources it provides, as well as for the people and experiences in their lives.
- Reducing stress and increasing well-being: Spending time in Nature has been linked to reduced stress and increased well-being. Children who experience the calming and rejuvenating effects of Nature may be more likely to appreciate what they have and feel grateful for it.
- Enhancing empathy and compassion: Research has shown that exposure to Nature can increase empathy and compassion, as well as improve emotional regulation and resilience. These positive effects of Nature can help children develop a sense of appreciation and gratitude for the world around them.
- Encouraging generosity and altruism: Spending time in Nature can also increase prosocial behaviour and generosity, as children may feel more connected to others and to the world. This can lead to an appreciation for the needs of others and a greater desire to help and support them.
Overall, exposing children to Nature can help them develop a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the world around them. This can lead to a greater understanding of the importance of the environment and a commitment to preserving it for future generations, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Children Outside Aligns with UN SDGs
Exposing children to Nature at a young age aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support the development of healthy, well-educated, sustainable, and connected individuals and communities.
- Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) - Research has shown that exposure to Nature can improve children's physical health by increasing their physical activity levels and reducing their risk of obesity. It has also been linked to improved mental health and well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
- Quality Education (SDG 4) - Studies have found that Nature exposure can enhance children's learning and cognitive development, including skills such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. This can lead to improved academic performance and support the development of a lifelong love of learning.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) - Encouraging children to spend time in Nature can help foster an appreciation for the environment and a commitment to sustainability. This can contribute to the development of sustainable communities and cities in the future.
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): By bringing children outside, we can help them understand the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. Spending time in Nature can teach children about the delicate balance of ecosystems and how we can play a role in preserving them. When children learn to appreciate Nature, they may be less likely to engage in wasteful or harmful behaviour, such as littering.
- Climate Action (SDG 13): Outdoor playtime can help children develop an understanding of the importance of protecting the environment and taking action to combat climate change. By experiencing the beauty of Nature, children may become more motivated to take steps to protect it. Additionally, spending time outside can help children develop a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world, which may inspire them to pursue careers in environmental science or advocacy.
- Life on Land (SDG 15) - Exposure to Nature can help children develop a connection to and understanding of the natural world, which can lead to increased concern for biodiversity and the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): Spending time in Nature can provide children with opportunities to develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. When children play outside, they may encounter new situations and challenges, which can help them build resilience and problem-solving skills. Additionally, spending time in Nature can provide children with a sense of calm and relaxation, which can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) - Achieving the goal of exposing children outside in Nature requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, schools, NGOs, and communities. Working together can help to ensure that all children have access to Nature and can experience its benefits.
