Nature Play With Little Ones

I am a child of the late 70’s so was lucky enough to have vacant blocks near my house, lots of open space to explore, the freedom and safety (perceived or not) to leave home at dawn and stay out all day and not have to be home until dinner time, the ability to soak up all that mother nature offers and have adventures galore. 

Today though, we have suburbia with less backyards as we jam as much house as we can on the smallest of blocks, more apartment / unit living and vacant space, what is that again?  It is a changed world we live in, where our kids’ access to the unfettered exploration of the natural wonders around us, isn’t as easy as it once was. 

In saying that, we still live in a country that has parklands, gardens, and national parks a plenty.  Coastlines that go on for miles and a climate that lends itself to the great outdoors.  So why is it then that our kids aren’t getting the “outside” hours their bodies so desperately need?    Outside hours for children have steadily decreased since the 1980’s from 4-6 hours a day to roughly 40mins a day. We can’t blame it all on technology and there really isn’t just one reason nor one solution. 

What we do know is that outside time has a positive effect on mental and physical wellbeing, regardless of age.  That means you too mumma!  Get the baby carrier or pram out, load bubs in and off you go, the calming effects of being outdoors in nature are not dissimilar to a massage, lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, enhances immune system function and improves mood, to name but a few.  

For children, nature play

• Helps to strengthen their understanding of the world around them
• Manage their own risk and work out their own boundaries
• Assist to develop culture and relationships
• Assist with sensory and motor development and
• Most importantly it’s FUN!

So how can you help your child enjoy nature,

• Firstly by letting go, nature play is all about unstructured, uninterrupted, child led play.  Sit back, watch and wait (as hard as this is) provide support when required or requested, they’ve got this Mumma. 
• Get outside as often as possible (you’ll enjoy it too!), if you don’t have a backyard, look for your closest green space or visit Brisbane Kids where there are reviews aplenty on loads of parks. 

For those that have young bubs that aren’t quite as mobile, a great way to engage in nature play is through looking and feeling (and often tasting because let’s be honest, everything goes in their little mouths!) nature through sensory experiences, leaves, seed pods and rocks are some examples.  *The tip here is to ensure that the items are safe to go in their mouth, and any poisonous plants materials or small items are avoided as these are potential chocking hazards.*

The world may have changed however our need as human beings for outside time hasn’t, yours and your kiddos mind, body & soul will be grateful for it. 

Blog Written By Anj Phillips For Catherine Dore Perinatal & Infant Massage For Nature Play Week 17-30 April.

A Little about Anj

Anj has an adventurous spirit and is a lover of life.  Some of Anj’s experience and skills include paediatric massage, and caring for young children. She currently lives in a converted train carriage on an incredible bush block in South West, WA.  She prefers a book over the screen and is dabbling in the writing space.  A depth and variety of employment / life experiences makes her a superstar virtual administrator and an all-round, kind and generous soul with an infectious smile.