Why should kids spend time in Nature?

The benefits

It is crucial for kids to spend time outdoors and not merely for the sake of entertainment - it is fundamental for proper development and well-being. Here are some reasons:

• Studies suggest that Nature exposure can improve cognitive function. A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that children who spend time in green spaces showed better focus and memory compared to those who didn't. (Jimenez, 2021)

• The risk of mental illness is significantly decreased for those who spend their childhood in green spaces. (Engemann, 2019)

• Nature is a powerful stress reliever - spending time outdoors can reduce anxiety and improve mood in children. This can be especially helpful for children with ADHD, as studies have shown that nature exposure can alleviate symptoms. (Ewert & Chang, 2018; Cohen 2023; Kuo & Teylor, 2004)

• Sunshine provides essential vitamin D, which is crucial for bone development, hormonal regulation and immunity. Outdoor play encourages physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity and improving overall fitness. Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics highlight the connection between outdoor time and better physical health in children.

• Nature is a playground for the imagination. Unstructured outdoor play allows children to explore, build, and problem-solve, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. (Lockhart, 2016)

There's plenty more research supporting the claim that kids belong in nature, however, you can simply look at how liberated and playful most kids become once they're outdoors.

So, how to motivate your kids to spend time outside? First of all - by setting an example and spending quality time together! But below you can also read some ideas.

What I'm sharing here is really nothing revolutionary- most of these activities are how I spent my childhood. However, to kids nowadays it might be not only something new but also very necessary considering the growing amount of time spent indoors.

Ideas for outdoorsy activities with kids:

• Playing with the same toys or doing colouring - but outdoors on a blanket

• Having a picnic

• Mud kitchen - don't be afraid of the dirt, the soil is proven to work as an antioxidant and clothes are washable :) (see photo below if you don't know what a mud kitchen is)

• Draw with chalk on a sidewalk or rocks

• Hang a hammock/ blanket and read a book/ play

• Prepared materials like a list of nature treasures to find or an egg box with colours for finding objects of fitting colour (see the middle photo below)

• Scavenger hunt with some toys in the backyard (draw a simple map that you both explore first to limit confusion)

• Using a blanket or other material make a simple fort for them to play in

• Building a permanent fort might motivate kids to spend even more time outdoors (also independently). I know many of us dream of a beautiful tree house but it does not have to be anything fancy!

• LET THEM GET BORED! It's good for their brain & development - they'll find entertainment and creativity!

• Let your kids lead by example and REWILD (Kids are often way more intuitive than adults)

Sources