Purposeful Living

Why You Should Spend Time in Nature with Your Kids

It’s a quiet Saturday morning on the cusp of spring when I sense that we need a change of pace. The oldest is glued to the laptop, and the youngest is watching his second movie of the day.  I need to think of a better option before too much screen time gets the best of us, and I have the perfect plan in mind.  Today will be a day to spend time in nature, slow our rhythms, and step away from the to-do lists and chores.

We wiggle into our weathered hiking boots, winter coats, hats, and gloves, and head to the woods.

The hemlocks invite us under their canopy like a warm blanket, and the austerity of the oak forest feels like something from a storybook.

As we walk, we collect acorns, climb muddy hills, and skip stones across the creek.  We end our adventure with s’mores by a fire.  We return home revitalized, and I consider the benefits of hiking with my children.

Why You Should Spend Time in Nature with Your Family

Whether you regularly spend time in nature with your family, or whether the idea feels foreign to you, here are a few reasons to get outside together:

Benefits of Time in Nature

1. When you spend time in nature together, you create space for conversation.

In a world of endless possibilities for digital entertainment, it can be difficult to find quiet moments to simply talk with our kids.

Time in the woods eliminates the distractions of technology, toys, and to-do lists.  Our minds are quiet, and we are free to simply enjoy silent moments together.

Some of the most profound conversations with my daughter take place in the stillness of nature. She opens up about her struggles in school, friendship quandaries, and questions that have been on her mind.

Conversations in the woods create a lasting foundation for a strong relationship.  The silence of the trees is the perfect setting for going deeper in our relationship.Creative ways to get your kids outside, outdoor activities for kids, spring, things to do outside with kids

2. Spending time in nature naturally shifts our focus.

The struggle to balance our careers, families, and social commitments creates an undercurrent of stress.  It’s important to find activities that alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Spending time in nature naturally shifts our focus to the beauty of the natural world and is a healthy form of stress management.  Cultivating activities that reduce stress in our children’s lives is a gift they will enjoy for decades to come.

Spending time in nature naturally shifts our focus to the beauty of the natural world, and it’s a healthy form of stress-management. #outdoorfun #stress #nature #encounteringGod Click To Tweet

3. Movement is healthy for the body and mind.

I started hiking in my early twenties because I wanted to burn calories in an enjoyable way. The thought of burning 1,000 calories on a ten-mile excursion through the woods seemed like a better option than hitting the gym.

The distraction of constantly changing scenery keeps my mind off of the work involved.  When we spend time in nature, movement is typically part of the process.

For me, enjoying a form of exercise that can be shared with my children is deeply purposeful. (Click here for a post about how to un-rush your life by spending time in nature.)

4. When you spend time in nature, you find space to play.

Stopping our hike to climb on a fallen maple tree or throw stones into the creek encourages children to play creatively.

Most of us are surrounded by endless options for entertainment in our homes.

Returning to the forest forces children to entertain themselves with sticks, rocks, and sand.  As I watch my daughter build sandcastles and stalk frogs on her belly, I am reminded that this kind of play builds creativity that will benefit my children for decades.

The greatest benefit of getting outside with my kids is spending focused time with them. We make lasting memories, rely on each other to climb hills and build trust that will carry us forward for years to come.

For more ideas to help you get outside with your family, download our free guide:

Find More Ideas in This Free Guide

Lastly, if you would like to spend more time in nature with your kids but aren’t sure where to begin, I have a free gift for you.  I’ve put together a free toolkit filled with printable nature scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, treasure hunts, and much more, all for your family’s enjoyment.  Click here, and I’ll send you this free resource: Hours of Outdoor Fun!

Attention, all moms and daughters!

Lastly, in addition to writing to adults, I am also passionate about ministering to the next generation.

My 12-year-old daughter Bekah and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book together.  We hope to help moms and daughters connect and grow in faith together.  Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section.

Our vision is for girls ages 7-17 to enjoy it with their moms, grandmas, or older women they look up to.  However, mothers and daughters of all ages are using this book to grow closer together!  This book makes a wonderful gift for a mother or daughter you care about!

You can buy your paperback or eBook on Amazon right here.

 

 

This article was originally published at Living Well Mom.

I’m passionate about equipping others to encounter God in powerful and life-changing ways. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hiking, jogging, exploring wild places with my three young children and husband, leading small groups, and mentoring younger women. A certified special education teacher, I am on leave from the classroom for a season of chasing frogs and playing in creeks with my little ones. Most of all, the compassionate love of Jesus has forever ravished my heart, and I'm emphatic about making his love known to the world.