We know our children will inherit environmental challenges, but raising them with cynicism and a dark mindset will not help them (or us) work toward meaningful solutions. For them to understand the urgency and the purpose behind the work, they must have a deep love and connection to nature.
We are not separate from nature – we are a part of it. As Robin Wall Kimmerer says, “You can’t have healthy human communities without having healthy land …and the land needs people to love it.”
Create a Routine
“Try to get outside together to play and explore three to four times per week. The more you do it, the easier it will be, and the more normal it will be to you and the kids,” suggests The Nature Conservancy’s caregiver’s guide to getting kids in nature, and nature into the hearts of kids.
Our calendars fill up fast, so take the decision-making (and arguing) out of it! If everyone knows that we play in the backyard after school or explore the woods on Saturday mornings, it becomes easier for everyone to expect it, and there is less chance of deciding not to go out.
The National Wildlife Federation has created a Green Hour—a time to spend outdoors consistently. They suggest activities to keep interest piqued, such as a fall bird bingo.
Bundle Up
As I hiked through a blustery, rainy morning, I wondered why I wasn’t miserable. Of course, the woods were beautiful, and the conversation with a friend was lovely, but it was in the high 40s and raining!
I started my hike with rain gear on, but between showers, I shed it all. I hiked in my waterproof boots, wool socks, and pants, a fleece zip-up, and a warm hat. When it began raining again, I didn’t feel the need to dig out my raincoat. I was warm!
Ensuring that you and your children have gear that will keep them warm and cozy, or cool and shady, is essential to our comfort and enjoyment. Not only that, but being comfortable makes it easier to go outside. It helps our mindset that the activity will be enjoyable.
Kari Leibowitz studied the winter mindset in Norway and discovered that “having a positive wintertime mindset was associated with greater life satisfaction, willingness to pursue the challenges that lead to personal growth, and positive emotions.” That alone motivates me to head outside and to take the time to bundle up my kids to explore the outdoors.
Take an Awe Outing
Cultivating a sense of wonder can help us become happier and kinder. Often, our children become awestruck out in nature, which can remind us to slow down and notice what they are experiencing. Sharing a moment can enhance the effects of beauty as well as connection with the people around you.
Taking an ‘awe walk‘ to intentionally notice what is around you is a simple idea that taps into our children’s natural curiosity. PBS Kids also suggests a five-senses walk that includes different tips and conversation prompts for various age groups.
While exploring close-to-home or new places, take time to learn the Indigenous names. Sites such as Native Land can help your education.
Garden
If you have a bit of outdoor space, your children might enjoy gardening! You can also cultivate houseplants if outdoor space is unavailable.
My kids loved caring for their own houseplants. Growing some of your own food or flowers can be a magical experience. Kids learn essential life skills, such as patience, navigating unexpected outcomes (like pests eating plants), failure (sometimes we do everything right, but things don’t grow), and working consistently to achieve growth.
The Farmer’s Almanac offers suggestions to keep kids engaged outdoors, such as building a bat house. Some kids find it fun to grow a themed garden, such as a salsa garden or a pizza garden.
If children are given the opportunity to experience nature, even in simple ways, interaction and engagement follow quite naturally. – Richard Louv
Resources
Awe by Dachner Kelter
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (YA version and adult)
Bud Finds Her Gift by Robin Wall Kimmerer (picture book)
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz
Wanderlust by Rebecca Solnit
By Megan McQueen.
Spanish translation by Dr. J Senior Consulting, LLC
Megan McQueen is a warmhearted teacher, coach, consultant, and writer. She grounds her work in empathetic education, imparting a strong sense of community and social skills to those with which she works. Megan prioritizes emotional learning and problem solving skills. When not at work, she is most likely playing with her husband, two children, and pup.
Learn more about the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative and read our blog!
