Time in nature can have a profound impact on kids (just like adults)
- Kids
Rewilding our kids
Why more time in nature is what we all need (especially our kids)
Rewilding; the idea of letting nature take care of itself. Where the goal is to repair, restore and rebalance wild nature for flourishing ecosystems and a sustainable future.
Most of us lead busy lives and making time to be in nature gets pushed aside for other things that seem more important. We’re on digital devices for most of the day, keeping us wired and constantly ‘on’. Social media can make us feel we’re not good enough and believe material things bring us happiness. Mental health issues are on the rise, and it’s my opinion that the antidote is spending mindful time in nature.
Making memories while slowing down in natural surroundings and developing a curiosity for all things wild makes us thoughtful and conscious humans. Being in nature teaches kids, in a gentle and positive way, to be sensitive to even the tiniest of creatures and take care of the environment and the planet.
It’s paramount for the future of our children and the world. The more kids learn about nature, the more they connect to it and understand the importance of looking after the environment and themselves.
An outdoor adventure as a family can spark good conversation and improved relationships. It’s fun, healthy, invigorating, and free!
Some of the physical benefits for kids that have regular outdoor play include improved flexibility, motor skills, concentration, vision, and sleep. It’s also key to building resilience and confidence.
5 ways for kids to connect with nature
Open your senses
Encourage your child to open their senses when exploring. Be patient, stop occasionally and look around. Be quiet and still and you will be rewarded by nature coming to you. Ask about the sounds they hear, the details of a leaf they see, what can they smell and how does it feel?
Be an investigator, be curious
Bring a magnifying glass, if you have one, for a closer look. Observe an animal or plant, take notes of colour, size, interesting features then investigate to find out more online at home or at the library.
Scavenger hunts
Make a list of the things you might see on your adventure and head out to find them.
Start a collection
Collect feathers, leaves, gum nuts, pressed flowers.
Write field notes
Write and draw about what you see in nature. Make your own field notes journal: include time, date, weather. Then make notes and drawings of what you see.
Melissa is the author and creator of Rewilding Kids Australia: a mindful activity book
