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Daniel, a single father, writes about the challenges and rewards of introducing young children to nature. Learn more about our guest author by reading his profile below…
In today’s world of technology-driven entertainment, it’s important to me to help my kids love getting outside. There are so many benefits to spending time in nature. It helps with physical fitness, boosts mental health, and allows you to escape the noise of the busy world around you. For kids, being outside is also a chance to have fun learning science concepts that will be helpful in school. And it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!
Getting Outside
My kids and I spend as much time outdoors as we can, especially during warmer months. Whether it’s a trip to the park, games in the backyard, a hike on a trail, or just a walk around the neighborhood, getting outside is a big part of our week. We enjoy all the benefits that nature offers.
Each outing almost always has educational opportunities. The kids learn to observe, to investigate, and to explore. And there’s always a chance for them to find something new to learn about — even in our own backyard. We might build a bird feeder, create a scavenger hunt, or have a campout. Whatever outdoor adventures we decide to do, we make it fun. The Internet is a wonderful resource for ideas on how you can turn your backyard into an explorable area.
Learning About Nature and Staying Safe
I’ve noticed that when my little ones aren’t playing outside, they’re paying attention to the world around them. Going for long walks helps with this, since there are no tablets or smartphones to draw their focus away.
We talk about the things we see, and I encourage them to keep nature journals. They draw anything that fascinates them as they explore nature. In the fall, we collect leaves to tape into the journals, and my daughter loves to make them part of her drawings. For instance, she used a bright red leaf as the skirt of a ballet dancer.
Kids are full of questions. And it’s important to me to talk with them about whatever piques their curiosity. I don’t have all the answers, so when we get home we look up information online together, such as why snakes shed their skins. My kids learn something new just about every day. And it allows them to have a measure of control over their time outside, which helps keep them safe. Being knowledgeable about plants and animals is essential when you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Sometimes I worry that we’ll come across a frightened or angry animal or a swarm of agitated hornets. So we’re careful to stick to trails and keep our hands to ourselves to keep everyone safe. On hikes, we bring backpacks that carry snacks, sunscreen, and water, and when we stop to eat, we always take our trash with us. This is the best way not only to leave nature as we found it but also to avoid attracting bugs or hungry animals.
Commune with Nature, and Grow Closer to your Children
The bonding time that getting outside affords our family is truly remarkable. And having a close relationship with my kids is one of the most important things in my life. So being able to spend these moments with them — and talk to them about the things on their minds — is priceless.
Walking in nature takes little to no money, which makes it the perfect activity for families on a budget. If you’re unsure of what to do with your little ones, start slowly and ask for their input; kids are great at coming up with ways to have fun!
About the Author
Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.
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