5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Nature With Your Kids
Life gets busy and sometimes we forget to slow down. Use these simple ways to enjoy nature with your kids to help you to make time to connect and marvel at the beauty of nature together. You’ll feel better, and your children will too.
You don’t have to be a fully fledged tree hugger or know the names of the plants and animals to appreciate nature. Simply becoming curious and noticing the beauty around you, will do. It may even help you relieve stress.
Start seeing the world around you with wonder and awe through your children’s eyes as you explore and experience the delights of nature close to home through dandelions, butterflies, and birds. Share joy with your children while creating wonderful moments and memories together.
5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Nature With Your Kids
1. Show them the moon, the stars, the wind, and the rain.
Notice the gentle breeze, the pitter patter of the rain, and the countless stars while describing how they delight you to your child. Your child will, in turn, be delighted, too.
I constantly talked to my children about nature when they were babies and toddlers. Most mornings, I pointed out the beautiful moon as we walked out to our detached garage. Needless to say, my son became obsessed with the moon as a toddler. The role reversed and he was the one pointing out the moon to me, “Mommy, moon!”
2. Stop to smell the flowers.
It sounds cliche, but enjoying the smell of fragrant flowers is a great way to slow down and savor life. Whether you notice the blossoming cherry trees or your neighbor’s lilacs, pause and ask your child if they smell the flowers, too. Then relish the fragrance together.
3. Get quiet and listen to the birds.
The great time to do this is when your toddler or preschooler is starting to get bored or is heading toward a melt down. You can distract them by whispering, “Listen. Do you hear that?” Usually, they whisper back, “What?” You can then say you hear a bird over there, and point. (Listen for a bird first before you say anything.) Then you can suggest they listen for more birds. Of, course this is a perfectly wonderful thing to do anytime, but it is a nice distraction technique. (Mom tested and approved.😉 )
4. Take time to watch a bee, an ant, or other bug go about its day.
Get curious about the tiny inhabitants around you and your children. Sit still and watch a bee buzz around. Look at the intricate details in its wings and body. Watch an ant march along the ground and follow it. Is it carrying anything? Comment on what you see to your child. Ask them what they see?
You can do this with other backyard wildlife, like birds and squirrels, too.
5. Express your excitement or joy in the beauty of nature.
When you notice something beautiful, a brilliant orange leaf, a rock shaped like a heart, or the bluest sky, share that joy with your children. “Look! Isn’t the sky beautiful today?” Noticing beauty in nature brings joy into your life and your child’s life.
Take your child’s hand and head outdoors to go find some simple ways to enjoy nature with your kids today.
