Why your children need more wild time and how to provide it
September 14, 2019
In today’s world, children are more likely to spend their time indoors using electronic devices than playing outside. With the rise of technology and structured activities, it’s becoming rarer for children to have access to unstructured outdoor play. However, studies have shown that children who spend more time in nature have better physical and mental health, as well as improved cognitive function.
In this post, I will explore the importance of wild time for children and how to provide it. From creating a backyard nature area to going on nature walks and camping trips, there are plenty of ways to incorporate wild time into your child’s routine. Join us as we delve into the benefits of outdoor play and discover how you can make it a part of your child’s life.
1. What is wild time?
Wild time is the time that children spend exploring the natural world around them. It is the time spent playing, discovering, and learning outside of the classroom or home, in the open air, and with minimal adult supervision. Wild time is essential for children’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as it provides them with a sense of freedom, independence, and connection to nature that they might not get in their daily lives.
Wild time can come in many forms, from playing in a local park, building forts in the woods, or simply exploring a nearby creek. It encourages children to engage with their surroundings, take risks and push boundaries, and develop their creativity and imaginative skills. It also helps them to develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment, as they learn to appreciate the natural world and all that it has to offer.
Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, children are spending less and less time outside, and more time glued to screens and technology. This has led to a decrease in the amount of wild time that children are experiencing, with many missing out on the benefits that it provides. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with the opportunity to experience wild time and reconnect with nature.
In the following sections of this article, we will explore some practical ways in which you can provide your children with wild time, and why it is so important for their development.
2. Why is wild time important for children?
Wild time is defined as unstructured, outdoor play in nature. It is important for children because it provides a range of benefits that cannot be replicated indoors or in structured activities. Firstly, wild time encourages physical activity and exercise, which is essential for a child’s physical health. It allows them to run, jump, climb, and explore, which helps to develop their motor skills and coordination.
Additionally, wild time provides an opportunity for children to learn about the natural world. Being outside in nature allows them to observe and interact with plants and animals, which can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity. It can also teach them important lessons about the environment and the interconnectedness of living things.
Wild time can also have a positive impact on a child’s mental health and well-being. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. It can provide a sense of freedom and a break from the pressures of everyday life. It allows children to disconnect from screens and technology and engage in imaginative play, which is important for their cognitive development.
Overall, wild time is important for children because it provides a range of physical, social, and emotional benefits. It is important for parents to prioritize unstructured outdoor play in nature and provide opportunities for their children to explore and connect with the natural world.
3. The negative effects of screen time and lack of outdoor play
In today’s digital age, children are spending more time indoors and in front of screens than ever before. While technology can be a useful tool to aid in learning, entertainment, and communication, excessive screen time can have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health.
Studies have shown that children who spend more time in front of screens have a higher risk of obesity, sleep disorders, and attention problems. Additionally, children who spend more time indoors are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than those who spend more time in nature.
Lack of outdoor play can also have negative effects on children’s development. Outdoor play helps children develop their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. It also promotes creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. Children who spend time in nature are more likely to be curious and interested in the world around them.
To combat the negative effects of screen time and lack of outdoor play, it’s important to provide children with opportunities to explore and play in nature. This can be as simple as taking a walk in the park, visiting a local nature reserve, or encouraging outdoor play in the backyard. By providing children with more wild time, you can help them develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the world around them while also promoting their physical and mental health.
4. The benefits of spending time in nature for children
Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for children, both physical and mental. It provides a unique opportunity for them to connect with the natural world, which can help them develop a sense of respect and appreciation for the environment. Additionally, it has been shown to improve cognitive function, creativity, and overall well-being.
Studies have found that children who spend more time in nature have improved attention spans and better academic performance. This is likely due to the fact that nature provides a stimulating environment that engages all of the senses. It also allows children to have unstructured playtime, which is important for their overall development.
Spending time in nature can also have a positive impact on mental health. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, being in nature can help children develop a sense of curiosity and wonder, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Overall, spending more time in nature is crucial for children’s development and well-being. Parents can encourage this by taking them on hikes, going camping, or simply spending time in the backyard. By doing so, parents can help their children develop a stronger connection to the natural world and reap the benefits that come with it.
5. How to provide more wild time for your children
Now that we know why it’s important to provide more wild time for our children, let’s talk about how we can actually do it. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to provide more wild time for your children:
1. Visit your local park or nature reserve: Take your children to the nearest park or nature reserve and let them explore the natural surroundings. Encourage them to climb trees, collect stones, and observe the wildlife.
2. Create a backyard nature space: If you have a backyard, you can create a dedicated space for your children to explore nature. This can be a small garden, a pond, or even just a pile of logs for them to climb on.
3. Go on a nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of things for your children to find in nature such as flowers, leaves, and insects. This will encourage them to explore their surroundings and learn about the natural world.
4. Make time for outdoor play: Set aside time every day for your children to play outside. This can be as simple as going for a walk or playing in the backyard.
5. Join a nature club: Check if there are any nature clubs or groups in your local area that your children can join. This will provide them with opportunities to explore nature with other children and learn from experts.
Remember, the most important thing is to make wild time a priority for your children and to provide them with opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world. By doing so, you’ll be helping them develop a love and appreciation for nature that will last a lifetime.
6. Activities to encourage outdoor play and exploration
Getting children to spend more time in nature is crucial for their development. Outdoor play and exploration activities can improve their cognitive, social, and emotional skills while also giving them an appreciation for the natural world around them. Here are some activities to encourage outdoor play and exploration:
1. Exploring the local park or nature reserve: Take your child to a nearby park or nature reserve and encourage them to explore the surroundings. They can observe the wildlife, collect leaves and sticks, or simply run around.
2. Planting a garden: Gardening is a great way to teach children about nature and responsibility. Have them plant their own garden, water the plants and watch them grow. They will learn about the lifecycle of plants and the importance of taking care of living things.
3. Scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park. Make a list of items for your child to find, such as acorns, feathers, and rocks. This is an excellent activity to keep them engaged and curious about their surroundings.
4. Nature crafts: Arts and crafts projects using natural materials can be a fun and educational way to get children interested in the outdoors. Gather some leaves, flowers, and other natural materials and make a collage or a nature-inspired painting.
5. Camping: Camping is an excellent way to experience nature and spend time with family. This can be done in your backyard, a nearby campsite, or even in your living room with a tent. This activity allows children to connect with nature in a unique way and create lasting memories.
By providing outdoor play and exploration activities, you can help your child develop a love and appreciation for the natural world. These activities can be simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine, but they have a lasting impact on your child’s growth and development.
7. Creating a nature-friendly backyard
Creating a nature-friendly backyard is an excellent way to provide your children with the wild time they need. Even if you don’t live near a forest or national park, you can still give your children the opportunity to experience nature in your own backyard.
Start by planting native plants and flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This will not only beautify your backyard but also provide a valuable food source for local wildlife. You can also add bird feeders and bird baths to attract birds to your backyard.
Consider creating a small pond or water feature. This will attract frogs, toads, and other aquatic creatures and provide a great learning opportunity for your children. It will also create a tranquil space for relaxation and reflection.
Build a small garden or vegetable patch where your children can grow their own plants and vegetables. This will teach them about the importance of nurturing and caring for living things, and they will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Finally, create a space for your children to explore and play. This could be a small woodland area or a wildflower meadow. Provide them with tools such as binoculars, butterfly nets, and magnifying glasses to help them observe and interact with the natural world around them.
By creating a nature-friendly backyard, you will be providing your children with a valuable opportunity to connect with nature and develop a love for the great outdoors.
8. Incorporating nature into your family’s routine
Incorporating nature into your family’s routine is a fantastic way to provide your children with more wild time. There are many ways to make this happen, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
One way to incorporate nature into your family’s routine is to take a daily walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. This could be before or after school, or even on weekends. It’s a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the natural world around you.
Another way to incorporate nature into your family’s routine is to plan outdoor activities together. This could be a family camping trip, a bike ride through the countryside, or a visit to a national park. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
You can also encourage your children to spend time in your garden or on your balcony, helping them connect with nature and learn about gardening. This can include planting flowers, vegetables, or even a herb garden in a window box.
Finally, you can also incorporate nature into your family’s routine by encouraging your children to participate in outdoor sports or activities. This could be anything from soccer to kayaking to rock climbing. It’s a great way to keep your children active and engaged, while also getting them outside and exploring the natural world around them.
9. Overcoming common barriers to outdoor play
Despite the many benefits of playing outdoors, there are certain barriers that may prevent children from having more wild time. Some common barriers include safety concerns, lack of time, and unfavorable weather conditions.
To overcome safety concerns, it is important to ensure that the outdoor play area is safe and secure. This may involve removing any hazards such as sharp objects or ensuring that play equipment is well-maintained and age-appropriate. It is also important for parents to supervise their children during outdoor playtime to ensure their safety.
Lack of time is another common barrier to outdoor play. Parents can overcome this by scheduling outdoor playtime into their child’s daily routine. This may involve setting aside a specific time each day or week for outdoor playtime and making it a regular part of their routine.
Unfavorable weather conditions can also be a barrier to outdoor play. However, with the right clothing and gear, children can still enjoy the outdoors in almost any weather condition. Parents should invest in appropriate clothing and gear such as raincoats, boots, and gloves to keep their children warm and dry during outdoor playtime.
By overcoming these common barriers, parents can ensure that their children have more wild time and reap the many benefits of playing outdoors.