I think that we modern Westerners might be nature-deprived. Many of us live in cities and we go from our cozy and comfy homes, to our cars, into work or school, and then back home again. When my children were younger, they didn’t even get to go outside when the weather was poor so there were some days when they might not have gone outside at all if I didn’t intervene, let alone getting out into what might be considered “nature.” When was the last time your child played along a stream or threw rocks into a river? Walked through an open field or in a forest of trees? Can you say that your child is getting enough nature?
Getting outdoors is great, it is a good thing for any child, but playing in a city park or a school playground is not the same thing as getting out into open space–away from civilization and experiencing nature. Unless we live in a small town or the country, or make the effort to get our children out into those wild and untamed spaces on a regular basis, our child can grow up without much nature experience or appreciation at all. So, what can you do if you live in a city and don’t really have “nature” in your daily diet? Parks and nature walks are good–getting out for a walk along the river or wandering around a pond without a time limit can be helpful. If you have a community garden space or can volunteer to help plant trees, clean up a park, or remove invasive plant species, this can be a good experience too. Be sure to make an effort to get out of the city and find a way to connect with nature–go to the beach, a hike or picnic in the mountains, or even getting out and walking through a field can be a nature experience for a child. Don’t let weather be a deterrent either–unless a child is sick or the weather is truly unsafe, part of appreciating and experiencing nature is enjoying the different weather opportunities too! After all, what child doesn’t like to splash along in a mud puddle or catch snowflakes on her tongue?
Also: Reaching Out to Nature
Nature Study in the Dead of Winter