Outdoor Tradition
I am an outdoors kind of mama. I find nature to be a soothing experience for the mind, body, and soul. And I have to say, from a professional standpoint, it seems to be the same for my kids.
When everyone is trapped indoors all day, I can feel the tensions begin to rise as the day goes on. There is more yelling, more fighting, and I can begin to feel my last nerve fray.
So I bring everyone outside and it's like the trees and clouds soften the angst of my children and I can feel my stresses start to melt.
There is some actual science to this experience. There are many schools of thought that tout the importance of children having time outside. The National Wildlife Federation recommends an hour of unstructured time outdoors for children every day. The Child Mind Institute says that time outdoors builds confidence, creativity, imagination and responsibility. While still other studies have found that time outside can improve motor skills, improve overall health, increase openness between caregivers and guardians, promotes greater self-awareness, and cultivates an appreciation of the outdoors.
Now with all of these benefits, it seems like a no-brainer to take your kids outdoors right? Unfortunately, the exact opposite is happening and even terms like “nature deficit disorder” are becoming more popular. One study found that American children average 7 minutes of time outside every day!
So, how do we combat this? Obviously, one hurdle to overcome is disconnecting from devices long enough to go outside. For many, it is just about begging to build a connection to the world outside. It can often be thought of as icky, dirty, or dangerous when the exact opposite is true.
I will outline some pro tips for how to spend time outside as a family.
My hope for you and your family is that you find your own unique way to spend time outdoors. Remember to find things that are fun for you and your tribe. Not everyone wants to make mud pies and climb trees. Others might prefer to watch a sunset over a picnic dinner or read books on a blanket under a beautiful tree.
If this is something you want support with, please reach out today. I happen to be a master of time outdoors, and even host nature walks and forest bathing. So if you are looking for a little inspiration in this arena then reach out today to start your Mindful Tradition.
Pro Tips For Spending Time Outside as a Family:
Pack lots of snacks and water - No one is happy when they are hungry. Make sure you have enough reserves for the troops as playing outside burns a lot of calories so pack things that will keep people full and happy.
Have the appropriate gear - Check the weather ahead of time and make sure you have everything you need to be successful. This includes sunscreen, bug spray, sun hats, socks, sneakers, rain gear etc.
Start small - If you have never gone on a family outing outside, start small. Pick a local park to walk around and play on a playground and then work your way up to a family hike.
Find outdoor activities that you like to do - These could be rock climbing, hiking, foraging, plant identification, hunting, hopscotch, picnics, outdoor concerts and plays, festivals, etc. Check your local newspaper to find cool things in your area and to get inspired.
Explore with your senses - Stop and see what you hear, feel, smell, see, and sometimes taste. Have conversations. Talk about what inspires you, and become a closer-knit family in the process.
Head home before everyone is burnt out - Remember playing outdoors is hard work. It is better to call it quits early than end an outing on a bad note.
