Have you ever walked out your door, taken a deep breath, and let out a huge sigh and just let go of the stresses of life? Some of my favorite memories are of being outside, from building tree forts to running in fields and splashing in puddles. What are some of your favorite memories? Do they include nature?
With each generation, more and more children spend less time outside than the previous generation. For many prior generations, playing outside in nature took place every day after school and for the whole day on weekends. There are many reasons for this decline, including more people living in cities, often with little to no green spaces. Safety is also a concern with both parents working, single-parent homes, and often an overall sense of not feeling safe in their neighborhood. Then there is technology, with its many and considerable advances in the last few decades, making it a greater part of our lives than ever before.
All this brings me to why nature play is so important. Nature helps improve creativity and problem-solving, giving children space to test new ideas and experiences, allowing them to learn about themselves and the world around them in the process. Nature offers opportunities for healthy risk-taking. When children are given the opportunity to be outdoors, they climb, run, jump, etc. They experience failure and success in a safe environment which helps develop physical skills, self-esteem, and boundaries. Time outdoors also fosters an emotional connection to the natural world. Children with positive experiences in nature are more likely to have appreciation, respect, and want to care for our planet and environment.
Nature also develops social skills. Outside, kids have more control over their choices and are more easily able to socialize on their terms. It’s up to them if they choose to interact with other kids or not. They can run around and play alone or make mud pies together if they so choose. Being in nature provides a certain freedom. And as children play with others, they learn valuable negotiation skills, how to share, and develop friendships, all of which help contribute to healthy emotional and social resilience.
Nature play is also sensory engagement, requiring all five senses to be engaged. While playing outside, kids strengthen their ability to process sensory stimulation. For toddlers, outdoor play can help them build familiarity with various sensory experiences and promote more positive responses. Being in nature enhances creative thought. Children love to invent their own games and act out pretend situations while exploring the world around them. An outdoor environment presents endless opportunities for kids to use their imaginations and grow creatively.
When we understand the benefits of nature play, we also know that we must find ways to provide children more opportunities for nature play. Let’s encourage them to get outside and play. Need some help? Conservation Foundation offers many outdoor programs for people of all ages. You and your family should join us for one! Visit our events page to learn more and sign up today. See you outside!
