How to hug nature with your kids

Why: While we all appreciate the environment around us, today’s digital age has us focused more on the glow of screens than the glow of a sunset. In fact, one study found that spending just two hours per week exploring nature leads to better health and well-being. A growing body of research suggests spending time in nature promotes better attention spans, self-discipline, creativity, physical fitness, and social connection in children. It can also help lower stress levels and make them more engaged in learning.

Our goal: Let being [outdoors is not only fun for kids, but it also helps foster their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development.] The goal is to get them engaged and excited to learn, and that’s not hard to do when you’re surrounded by the beauty of nature.

How:

1. Let Them Get Dirty

• [If your little one is anxious to crawl in the dirt to get a better look at bugs, then go for it!]

• [Research suggests that ]kids who play in the dirt[ are exposed to bacteria, germs, viruses, and parasites that can help build their immune system and reduce the risks of certain allergies and illnesses later in life.]

2. Have Them Lead the Way

• When it comes to younger children, encourage them to stop to turn over rocks, touch moss, and, when they can, climb on and over rocks and fallen trees.

• Whatever the environment, which you assess for any unreasonable hazards, the toddler can set the pace---stimulating confidence, agility, problem-solving, creativity, and a sense of wonder.

3. Get Creative 

• Researchers suggest pretend play, such as using a stick as a sword or magic wand.

• Making up stories about the items found during your walk.

• Collecting rocks while on your nature walk can later be painted and repurposed as beautiful works of art.

4. Create a Scavenger Hunt  

Before going on your nature walk with your child, collaboratively create a list of items on a 3x5 index card to be found on your walk, and have fun locating the items on your list.

Scavenger hunt items also make great art supplies---for example, pinecones can become bird feeders or shells can be turned into decorative ornaments.

Let Older Children Be More Adventurous  

For the older kids, it’s all about making a deeper connection with the world around them.

You can encourage them to connect with nature on a deeper level by exploring their senses.

Try having them walk barefoot on different surfaces to enhance the noticing of texture and terrain.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, covering their eyes in order to focus on the remaining senses.

Walk through the woods or a field, or along a creek, and have your kids report what they smell then write it down in a nature journal.

Reference: verywellfamily.com