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But with the advent of technology and the overscheduling of childhood, our time in nature is dwindling.
María Jesús Contreras
But early and frequent exposure to nature is of paramount importance for kids.
Here are 10 places to start.
Start small, early, and make it regular.
Nature doesnt need to be big to make it worth it.
Ostfeld fondly remembers playing in a backyard hedge with her niece in suburban Pennsylvania.
To her, it was the deep woods.
Other options include puddles, leaf piles, or different types of terrain, like rocks or sand.
You dont need to wait until your kid is old enough to appreciate nature, either.
The aforementioned research suggests that frequency can help kids feel more positively about the outdoors as adults.
Let kids drive their experiences.
One thing that I think grown-ups can unconsciously or inadvertently do is crush a childs awe, she says.
To many adults, it is just a weed that needs to be picked.
And thats how theyre going to fall in love with nature.
For most young children, outdoor time is simply about discovery and following their lead is key.
And stay with it as long as they want.
Loosen up a little.
So let them climb trees, pick berries, and make messy potions and snowballs.
(Better yet: Do these things with them!)
Make nature a part of your routine.
But thats not real life for many of us.
Make moments where you might just stop and observe, Ostfeld suggests.
Are you able to walk with your child to school?
Is there a flower stand you’ve got the option to frequent?
All of these things count.
Bring activities to nature.
Thecompound effect: Kids feel better and even learn more.
Many kids are drawn to animals, insectsbasically anything alive.
you might use the little bits of nature that are around you to engage and find novelty.
With little kids you might ask something like, I wonder what types of animals could live here?
With older children, you may simply point out what you see and see what catches.
From here, follow their lead.
Create an indoor garden.
All you need is a windowsill to plant a little garden, Ostfeld says.
Start with something simple like peas, she suggests.
Plusresearch suggestsindoor plants have health benefits, too, lowering stress levels and blood pressure.
Take off your shoes.
Mylan suggests trying earthing, the practice of connecting to the earths energy.
Sit, stand, lay, or walk on grass, sand, dirt, or plain concrete barefoot.
Encourage spins, twirls, and upside-down behavior.
These tips above can help your kids dip their toes into nature, but theyre just a start.
Check out the below.
Programming
Books
Websites
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