The Benefits of Nature Play: A Natural Boost for Your Child's Health
Do you catch yourself getting frazzles when your kids come in from playing outside, covered in dirt? Before you freak out and have them jump in the bath ASAP to scrub themselves clean, I want you to think about something.
Have you ever considered the benefits that come from simply playing in nature? Yes, you heard it right. The good old-fashioned mud play, rolling in the grass, and basking in the sunshine can do wonders for our little ones' health. I’m not saying you should have dirty kids in your home 24/7…but there are benefits of nature play and getting a bit dirty once in a while! This article I’m covering why you should let yours kids play in the mud, splash in puddles and stop worrying about fighting every single dirt speck and germ!
Why We've Become an Anti-Dirt Society
Our society has an obsession with cleanliness. It's an OBSESSED kind of love. We're quick to reach for the sanitizer and disinfectant wipes at the first sign of dirt. But have you ever wondered how this extreme cleanliness affects our health, especially our children's?
The truth is, our immune systems need exposure to a variety of microorganisms to build resilience.
Here's a little science nugget: our immune systems are like muscles. They need to be exposed to a variety of microorganisms to build strength and resilience.
Imagine if you kept your child in a bubble, never letting them run, jump, or play. Their muscles would remain weak, right?
The same concept applies to our immune systems. When we sanitize our children's environment to the extreme, we're not just wiping out the 'bad' bacteria that make us sick. We're also eradicating the 'good' bacteria, the ones that our bodies need to stay healthy.
This over-cleanliness can leave our children's immune systems like an underdeveloped muscle - weak and more susceptible to allergies and chronic health issues.
It's like they're going into a battle with a weakened shield. We don't want that for our little ones.
So, as counterintuitive as it might sound, a bit of dirt won't do harm. In fact, it might be just what the doctor ordered.
So next time, think twice before reaching for that sanitizer or getting stressed the heck out when your kiddos come home covered with mud.
The Power of Dirt and Nature
Being outdoors and gardening are my favorite activities. As a functional nutritionist and mom to two little boys, Emmett and Ira, I literally LOVEEEE the idea of children playing in the dirt and mud. It might sound counterintuitive if you're used to seeing dirt as something to avoid, but here's why it's actually beneficial to play in the dirt and mud (even as us adults too!)
Let's look at some other benefits of nature play:
1.Unleashing Imagination: The Magic of Nature Play
Nature play is like a canvas for children's imagination and creativity. It's a screen-free zone where kids explore the world around them and engage their senses. Did you know that this play in the sun is also a natural source of Vitamin D? As a mom, I love that my kids are getting their daily dose of sunshine (and Vitamin D) while having fun!
2. Boosting Immunity with Dirt Play
Believe it or not, dirt play is a natural immunity booster! When our little ones play in the dirt, they come into contact with a variety of natural bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This exposure helps develop and strengthen their immune systems. It's like a super fun vaccination, but instead of a needle, there's mud and laughter!
3. Jump, Run, Climb: Nature as a Playground
Nature play is a fantastic way to encourage physical activity. Kids are more likely to run, jump, and climb when they're outside, and this active play is essential for their physical development. It's a win-win - they burn off energy while developing important motor skills.
4. Enhancing Cognitive Function
Did you ever think that playing outside could make your child smarter? Well, it does! The ever-changing environment of the outdoors offers endless opportunities for children to learn and grow. This enhances their concentration and cognitive skills. As a mom, I love seeing my kids learn about the world firsthand.
5. Inner Peace: Nature Play and Mental Health
Nature play can significantly improve mental health. The sensory experience of being in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm. It's like meditation for kids - they learn to connect with themselves and the world around them, nurturing their emotional health.
6. Earth Lovers: Growing Green Thumbs and Hearts
Playing outside isn't just fun - it's an opportunity for our kiddos to develop a deep-rooted love and respect for Mother Earth. By digging in the dirt, listening to the birds, and watching the clouds, they learn to appreciate the beauty of our environment. This bond with nature can inspire them to become lifelong environmental stewards. As a mom, I feel proud when I see my boys pick up litter or water the plants. It's these little things that make a big difference!
7. Social Butterflies: Making Friends and Team Building
What better place to make friends and learn team skills than under the open sky? Outdoor play often involves group activities, like building a fort or playing a game of tag. These interactions require cooperation and communication, enhancing children's social skills. Plus, it's a joy to watch your child learn to share, negotiate, and work as part of a team. I can vouch for the lifelong friendships that are made while playing in the park!
8. Sensory Explorers: Discovering the World through Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, and Sound
The outdoors is a sensory smorgasbord! From the feeling of sand under their feet, to the sound of leaves crunching, to the smell of fresh flowers, children are constantly exploring and learning. These sensory experiences enhance their perception and understanding of the world. As a nutritionist, I love that nature play offers an opportunity to teach my boys about different plants and their nutritional benefits.
9. Adventurous Spirits: Building Confidence and Self-Reliance
Outdoor play is a playground for independence. It allows children to navigate different situations, make decisions, and solve problems. Whether it's deciding which tree to climb or figuring out how to build a sandcastle, these experiences foster a sense of self-reliance. And let's not forget the joy and confidence that comes from accomplishing these tasks.
10. Sleepy Heads: Catching Zzz's the Natural Way
Being active outdoors can significantly improve children's sleep quality. The natural light helps regulate their internal body clock, promoting healthier sleep patterns. And who doesn't love a well-rested child? After a day of running and playing outside, my boys sleep like logs, and I get some well-deserved me-time!
20 Ideas to Get Kids Outdoors and In Nature:
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items for kids to find in your yard or a local park.
Building Fairy Houses: Use twigs, leaves, rocks, and other natural materials to construct tiny homes.
Gardening Together: Assign kids their own plants to water and care for.
Nature Walks and Hikes: Take them on trails while pointing out different types of plants and animals.
Water Play: Set up a small water table or visit a creek to splash and play.
Outdoor Painting: Bring art supplies outside and paint landscapes or items found in nature.
Rock Collecting: Have a rock-finding expedition and learn about different types of rocks.
Tree Climbing: Find safe, sturdy trees that kids can climb.
Bird Watching: Equip them with binoculars and a bird guidebook.
Insect Observation: Explore the world of bugs with a magnifying glass.
Creating Mud Pies: Set up a mud kitchen area where they can get messy and creative.
Leaf Pile Jumping: Rake leaves in the fall and let them dive into the pile.
Nature Crafts: Use collected natural items to make crafts like leaf rubbings or stick frames.
Picnics: Have regular meals outside to enjoy the surroundings.
Star Gazing: Lay out a blanket at night and watch the stars and planets.
Building Dens or Forts: Use larger branches and leaves to construct a hideout.
Wildlife Tracking: Look for animal tracks and guess the creature that made them.
Snow Play: If you live in a snowy area, go snowshoeing or build snow sculptures.
Beach Exploration: If near the coast, explore tide pools and collect shells.
Outdoor Story Time: Read books about nature while sitting in a garden or under a tree.
Join “The Nourished Life” Course!
Ladies, if you're as obsessed with holistic living as I am, you know how important it is to make the most of natural resources for health and wellness. So, let's embrace nature play, not just for our kiddos, but for ourselves too!
Get on the waitlist for our new course, Nourished Life, where I empower women and mamas with knowledge and practical tips to create a home of wellness. Learn how to pass on these healthy habits to our kiddos to create generational health.
Remember, being a little dirty can mean being a lot healthier. Until next time, let's get out there and play in the dirt!
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