I am not the only one that thinks kids need to be outside more. Many current experts recommend increasing the time that children spend outdoors playing or experiencing nature. We have been fortunate to be able to raise our kids on an isolated farm where they could play and explore outside without constant supervision, and only once did we lose children in a cornfield. (For a little over an hour, and there was a happy ending.) But if you live in an urban setting, concerns for your child’s safety is a giant consideration. It will take some planning to find safe ways to be outside and to find your favorite destinations and go there frequently.
You may have to convince your kids that it’s worth it at first…. It might be too hot, too buggy, too cold, too muggy, too bright, etc. But stick with it. THEY can learn to think ahead and bring a hat or sunglasses or bug spray. THEY can solve these problems on their own, and learn to enjoy God’s creation for themselves.
One way to divert their attention from the sensory complaints is to point out something that YOU observe at the moment (especially if they are somewhere between ages 3 and 9).
- Did you see that butterfly on the milkweed?
- Look at that tall cloud – does it remind you of anything?
- Let’s see if we can find a special rock to help us remember today’s walk.
- Can you smell the honeysuckle down the hill?
- I think I hear two different kinds of birds right now. Can you imitate one of them?
HOPEFULLY this accomplishes two things…. An immediate diversion from discomfort, and, over time, an increased ability to appreciate nature (which leads to building a strong experiential base for SCIENCE!). If you have the funds, invest in the Golden Field Guides – little books that have pictures and names for different kinds of animals, flowers, trees, etc., and bring them along on your nature walks. If you are tech savvy, there are similar apps for your phone that can instantly tell you a plant’s name or identify a bird based on its call.
It’s OK to NOT do all this forced noticing when you are outside. It’s OK to ride bikes at top speed, or jump on the trampoline, or push toy excavators around a sandpile. Or just lay in a hammock and let the breeze blow through your hair. (I guess all my outside memories are from summertime! During winter, I have other aspirations, like warm blankets on the couch with a mug of steaming hot chocolate….)
Anyway. Think about it. Look for low-cost activities that will increase your child’s outside time a little bit each week, and then make the effort to do that activity with them. And TAKE A PICTURE! Make the memory and spend the time.