When I think about most of my vivid childhood memories, they have one thing in common: those memories took place outside. I remember running through the sprinkler in our backyard, going to pick strawberries with my sister and my Mom and then sitting on the porch hulling them so she could make jam, playing in the field and hanging out in the treehouse that sat in a tree in the middle of that field with the rest of the kids from my neighbourhood. I remember bike rides and picnics at the park and swimming lessons at the outdoor pool and then all the memories of just playing and done nothing outside and loving every minute of it. These memories wove many of the stories of my childhood.
When children have the chance to spend time enjoying unstructured play outdoors it engages all of their senses, which can therefore lead to these strong lifelong memories. Giving children time to be outdoors also helps them to learn about the planet which is vitally important to them growing up to have a love and respect of the planet and an understanding of how they can help to protect it. When children experience unstructured play outdoors it ignites their imagination as well as supports the ongoing physical and cognitive development that is occurring throughout childhood.
Research has shown us over and over again that children benefit in so many amazing ways from outdoor play and yet never before have children spent less time outside. One could make many arguments for the reasons as to why the sounds of children playing outside waft through our windows less and less. Parents worry about stranger danger, of the children getting hurt, we lead busier lives than ever before and then there’s the ever-present pull of very accessible technology. We also pass along our own biases around being outside onto our children. It makes sense that if as a child, a parent didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy outdoor play, then sometimes they are less inclined or comfortable venturing outdoors with their children on a regular basis. The simple truth though is that being outside is as good for us as it is our children.
There is magic and joy to be experienced outdoors when we allow ourselves to get excited about getting outside. This summer is going to be very different from other summers for many and it is still important to stay safe by practicing social distancing but don’t miss out on a summer of positive outdoor memories. Keep it simple, often times when we over plan or place our expectations too high, we end up frustrated. Go for nature walks, bike rides, have picnics in the backyard, build forts, play nature bingo, go on a bug hunt, look up outdoor scavenger hunts online and try them out, take out some measuring cups and containers outside and explore with water play, bring books and a blanket out, splash in the puddles when its raining, stay up a bit later one night and enjoy the stars. Set the stage for a positive experience by giving the child your full undivided attention. Enjoy observing your children at play and learn more about them at the same time! Leave technology inside, pull up a chair and just enjoy watching your child as the run around barefoot, laugh as they spray the hose, stop to watch a butterfly. Unstructured outdoor play is free, vital to a child’s well-being and you really need nothing to make it happen. Enjoy making memories outside this summer.
By Nancy Hurley, Centre Administrator, the Old Millbrook School EarlyON Child and Family Centre
