Connecting Children with Nature
We live in a very fast paced world. Technology is king, yet many of us are feeling the need to slow down and reevaluate. Connecting our children with nature is key to a healthy lifestyle in this fast-paced world. In our rush to find success as parents we must remember what really speaks to our children.
Richard Louv, author of The Last Child in The Woods says
Your kids will remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them. Kids outgrow stuff they never outgrow adventures. Every child needs nature. Not just the ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child.
Richard Louv
We Need Nature
While the world of technology is supposed to connect us, the evidence is overwhelming that it does not. Yet we need connection–not just connection to other humans who agree with us and are in our same socio-economic group. One way we connect to the world is through nature. In actuality we are part of nature, we are already connected, it is denying this connection that is causing the problem. Teaching our children how to appreciate and engage with nature should be top on our list of priorities.
The Best Remedy
When I began my parenting journey in the early 2000s the only technology I had to worry about was TV. Family members encouraged having a home without TV but this was not something we were interested in. So we kept the TV and worked to monitor what the children were watching and limited screen time.
Fast forward 20 years. Now in addition to TV, there are video games, phones, social media, etc. Now I consider it a victory if I am able to limit phone use.
The best remedy for too much screen time and technology is connecting children to nature. In the process we often learn how to connect ourselves. Children often have an affinity to nature already. In this case it is more a matter of working to keep what is already there and moving forward.
Here is a list of top suggestions to help kids enjoy the outdoors.
- Go for a walk
- Notice and point out insects, birds, plants and more that you see
- Go for a picnic
- Have a pet
- Notice weather (yes that is nature too!)
- Have a campfire
- Garden, pick a few plants
For most of us connection comes in much smaller doses, through cultivating a few plants, either in a backyard or even a windowsill. It comes from regular walks in a neighborhood park or the occasional camping trip. But the point is to notice, to be aware.
Connecting with Plants
Plants are a great way to connect–though most kids would probably prefer a pet. When you are out on your walk ask your child–
What plants are asking for your attention?
They will likely be able to tell you. This is where you come in as a parent. If you don’t know the name of the plant, how can you find out? Perhaps a neighbor or local herbalist could help you or a simple field guidebook. Some apps can be very helpful as well (I use the Picture This app), though I do recommend checking them against a field guide.
Begin thinking about plants, notice what plants you are drawn to. Look for ways to incorporate the natural world in your life. One way to do this is using the Waldorf Model of education and its focus on connecting the natural world. Note: you don’t have to do the whole method, just pick what works for you.
3 Action Steps
- Notice, open your awareness to the world around you. In many ways you are probably missing opportunities that are already present in your life to connect with nature. I love taking regular nature walks or growing your own plants.
- Pick a plant to focus on as a family. When building any relationship, it is always easier to focus on nurturing one relationship at a time. It could even be one special plant, like a local tree.
- Schedule time. As with anything you need to set aside time to be out in nature. Work with your schedule and give yourself grace. If once a week or once a month is all you can manage start with that.
Results
Buy opening yourself to connection you are modeling for your children. Don’t push yourself or stress out about connecting, remember you are already a part of nature. This is a part of growth. Growth is a lifelong process. There is not greater joy then growing as a family. Sometimes it is hard to perceive how much you have grown in a day, a week or even a month. Sometimes it will seem like there is no growth for a year or more. But in ten years or a life-time you will see momentous growth and a life well lived.
