“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.”
~ William Wordsworth
Here are eight ways parents can help children discover pathways of healing, renewal, and inspiration through nature.
EIGHT IMPORTANT POINTS FOR PARENTS TO CONSIDER
1.
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
~ Aristotle
Provide opportunities for children to have sensory-rich experiences outside. Perhaps in a wooded area, garden, or park, or along a lesser-known trail—while listening, observing, hearing, and touching the world around them. Kids can engage in unstructured play, running, climbing, and exploring. This has the potential to arouse their senses, foster autonomy, promote physical wellness and healthy motor development, and enable them to try out new games and outlets for creative expression.
2.
“My husband will tell you one of the most frequent questions he gets from world leaders is, ‘How’s your wife’s garden?’”
~ Michelle Obama
Appreciate the green spaces, wherever they might be. Urban areas continue to sprawl, and parkland is growing scarce. We must value it and encourage children to do likewise. Parents can demonstrate how to be advocates for more parkland, and for nature-based education programs such as sustainable gardening, biology and nature clubs, and arts activities that encourage children to capture the wonder of the outdoors. Children can also self-advocate for those kinds of learning opportunities, and participate in efforts addressing climate change, saving wildlife, and preserving the forests, lakes, and sanctity of nature.
