It’s all about keeping it simple
Many of my fondest childhood memories involve discovering nature, playing in the woods behind our home, building snow forts and climbing trees. Today, however, given the proliferation of technology in our lives, research shows that kids have become less focused on spending time outside of the house.
Simply spending time outdoors can increase calmness, reduce irritability, help restore capacity for concentration and attention, and help promote happiness. Research shows the mental health and emotional well-being advantages can be seen when a minimum of 2 hours a week is spent in nature. Even more beneficial, outdoor physical activity, which can reduce the risk of mental health conditions by up to 50% (Wellness, McMaster University). In addition, fostering a love for the outdoors in our children is one way to help them reap these health benefits for years to come in the adult lives. Suggestions include:
1. Start early
Make going outside a part of your daily routine, as soon as possible. Point things out, ask questions and share what you know. Kids are naturally curious and guiding them to think more deeply about our ecosystem is one way to spike and keep their interest. An early start helps with remaining comfortable in an outdoors environment, and exposes them to all different aspects of wildlife, helping foster this desire to learn.
2. Stop saying ‘be careful!”
Let kids be kids, while this phrase may seem natural, it can have negative connotations. It teaches them they should avoid trying new things, or taking risks, for fear of the repercussions. Try using these moments to teach them about being aware of their surroundings and physical environment, as well as themselves. Encourage them to problem solve on their own. This will help increase confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
3. Make it a family lifestyle
While this can be challenging, little changes can go a long way. Getting the whole family involved normalizes spending time outside to your children. Start outdoor family traditions, try to go on a weekly family walk, eat outside, or enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, sports, and lawn games (weather-permitting). Especially if you love the feeling of being outside, it can be hard to watch carefully planned excursions derail due to competing interests. Remain patient, and start small to get whole family buy-in.
4. Adapt the activity
If it’s a walk or daily playground visit its easier to manage. But if you want to go further afield, research and consider local outdoor places and activities that are welcoming for kids who live with disabilities or sensitivities. Barriers to participation need to be checked ahead of time. Consider mobility needs, energy levels, transportation, parking and weather (heat included) and timing so that your little ones don’t get exhausted or overwhelmed by external factors. Bring meals and snacks as well as plenty of water.
5. Keep it fun!
If you experience resistance towards spending time outside, try and make it as enjoyable as possible. Appeal to what your children enjoys, think outside of the box. There are tons of free activities such as geocaching, and hiking challenges that can provide direction if you’re not sure where to start. Other good ideas are the classics; iSpy, hide and seek, freeze tag, hopscotch or foursquare, which will help get bodies moving.
6. Whatever the weather
You know your child and how hot, cold or damp weather might affect them. Have a back-up plan for the day if things don’t look good for being outside so kids aren’t disappointed. Take extra clothes with you and consider easy to take off or put on clothing that you can layer according to the outside conditions. There’s no point in risking discomfort or health challenges.
7. Let them lead
As you may sense, a common theme in raising ‘outdoorsy’ kids is creating the desire within them as individuals enjoy their time outside. To encourage inquisitive behaviour, give them flexibility and control over their outside time. Allow them a structured choice, such as to lead a hike or choose the activity, or just see what they would like to do. This will make going outside seem like less of a chore, and more of a chance for adventure.
8. Look for resources
Here’s a list of places to look for helpful outdoor activity suggestions:
• The Canadian Kids Guide to Outdoor Fun teaches kids how to get in the game with water fun, reading the clouds, crafting and following animal tracks and making the best home-made lemonade. See: scholastic.ca/books/view/the-canadian-kids-guide-to-outdoor-fun
• Organizations that also have helpful child-friendly suggestions on their websites include that can be adapted include activeforlife.ca, childrenfirstcanada.ca, and destinationontario.ca
• Seasonal nature-connection worksheets, prompts, additional resources and more information, to help parents raise outdoor kids can be found at backwoodsmama.com/.
Anjolina Rankin-West is an editorial intern at the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
