How to Encourage Your Children to Appreciate Nature

How to Encourage Your Children to Appreciate Nature

Spending time in nature has physical and mental benefits for children — from relieving stress to boosting immunity. After all, children are innately curious, and nature can be a source of wonder and inspiration for them too. Besides from encouraging creativity, being in nature also lets them interact with wildlife — an experience they wouldn't be able to get from books or TV shows.

That being said, if you're wondering how to get your child to appreciate the beauty of nature and teach them to be a responsible steward, here are some tips.

Go on a camping trip

The UK is seeing a rise in camping and outdoor trips amid the pandemic. According to The Conversation, one in eight British households don't have a garden, so allowing your kids to explore the great outdoors and the British countryside is a great way to let them connect with nature.

For instance, you can teach them about various plants or animals that you come across. Wherever you choose to go, just be sure to pack pandemic-related essentials, such as hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, and face masks. A good tent is also essential, so your children can be comfortable even while they're outdoors. Coleman’s octagon blackout tents feature long mesh windows that provide a 360-degree view of your surrounding environment when it’s been erected — perfect for stargazing and camping. Plus, they are easy to assemble and put up.

Give your child a camera for taking photos

A camera gives your child a chance to express their artistic side, and taking photos means they will be paying closer attention to their surrounding environment. Plus, it leaves them with a memento to look back on. For starters, the child-friendly cameras featured on Wired are durable and splash-proof, so you can let them shoot to their heart's content. Some models, like the Oaxis myFirst Camera 2, can even shoot HD photos and videos. It also has a battery-saving feature that automatically switches the camera off when not in use.

Take them on walks

Walking is the ideal activity during the pandemic, according to an article on National Geographic. Aside from helping to beat the isolation blues, it’s a great way to give your child a dose of nature and fresh air.

If you have twins or a baby and toddler, one thing to consider when taking walks is which way they’re facing. As explained by Words for Life, having your children face you will help aid their development and strengthen your bond. But if they’re a bit older, then having them face their surroundings will encourage them to interact with nature. iCandy’s double pushchairs show how there are many tandem pushchairs nowadays that allow for more customisation — whether you want your children to be seated in front of each other, or facing their surrounding environment. As such, you can choose between interacting with them while walking, or having them enjoy nature. Again, just remember to socially distance from others and to pack other pandemic essentials with you.

Catch and incubate some insects

Insects are everywhere. Despite how they're often depicted as slimy creatures, there's a lot to learn from them. Getting your child acquainted with bugs is a great way to make them appreciate nature in a more hands-on way. Gardening Know How has a step-by-step guide that details how your kids can make a basic worm house. You can also help them with DIY butterfly cages and bug hotels. Regardless of what insects your little one is interested in, it’s also a great way to prepare them for more high-maintenance pets, such as cats and dogs.

There are plenty of things your kids can do to appreciate nature. As long as they spend some time outside, you’re already on the right track when it comes to letting them get closer to the earth. For other ways to help your child learn during the pandemic, check out our article ‘How to Keep Learning at Home’.