Helping your kids connect with nature
As kids get older, they tend to spend more time looking down at phones and tablets, and less time appreciating the beauty of the wild world around them. While learning to use computers and phones are an essential life skill in today's modern world, it could be argued that spending time in nature is also essential.
Kids who spend time in nature are often happier, have more academic success, and experience fewer emotional problems than children who don't have access to nature. Despite the great benefits of spending time outdoors, the NWF reports that the amount of time children spend outdoors is quite low—just a few minutes per day.
Helping your kids connect with nature can help them access these benefits, and also help connect you with them at the same time. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started.
Explore Nature Together
Pick a location that's some distance from your home, and take your kids there to explore. You can find many different hiking trails, caves, or waterfronts to explore just by checking what is fairly close to you on your phone. If it's a unique area such as an ocean or a cave, your child is more likely to be interested.
You can help them enjoy nature by drawing their attention to birds and animals, or asking them to count how many different shades of green they see. By asking them questions and pointing out details, you can help them get the most out of the experience.
Limit Screen Time
Nature isn't likely to be more interesting to your child than beating the next round of Jurassic World the game, so set a time limit for screentime and stick to it. Disconnecting them will make nature more interesting, and inspire them to look around and see what else they can do to entertain themselves.
Make playing outside fun
Sidewalk chalk, sprinklers, jump ropes, and other play equipment can help make spending time outside more worthwhile to your child. Eventually they may find themselves playing with sticks and pinecones with the same gusto, but these tools can help pave the way to connecting them with nature.
Join a nature program
Many places have a nature program especially designed for kids. Your children can learn more about nature with the help of experienced professionals, and spend more focused time in nature. This can be beneficial for both you and your child. These programs usually have a small fee, but the money will help go to support the parks and wildlife refuges you and your family visit, which is beneficial all on tis own.
A child that appreciates nature will have many advantages in life, so it is well worth developing this passion. Getting your child to enjoy nature is as simple as getting them outdoors and spending time in it. Even if it is your own backyard, take your children outside and let them explore. They'll love it, and so will you.