children and the outdoors

 “Let the children be free; encourage them;

let them run outside when it is raining;

let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water;

and when the grass of the meadows is wet with dew,

let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet;

let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath its shade;

let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning.”

~ Maria Montessori   

As we adapt to our pandemic-safe routines, it is very important that we remember the benefits our young ones reap from being outside in nature. Where we may feel more productive, thankful, or at peace after a walk or run outside, our babies and children find irreplaceable sensory experiences to assist in their development when outside in nature. Each expedition will bring brand new experiences for them, and will give them a greater understanding and respect for the world around them.

Being outside in the fresh air is a wonderful way to promote physical and mental wellbeing. The sunshine enables our body to benefit from vitamin D and serotonin to keep our mood high, activity in our body produces endorphins and develops our muscles, and stimulating scenery around us lets each one of us take in and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

As adults it is important that we model a love and respect for the outside environment. A child’s mind is especially absorbent from birth to age six, so the habits and activities we model during this time will be especially influential for them as they grow and gain more skills. Be sure to encourage outdoor time in all types of weather—with the right clothing to protect little ones’ hands and keep them warm, the rainy, snowy, or overcast days have just as many opportunities for observation and discovery as the sunny ones!

For infants, a walk outside will bring a range of simple, yet significant experiences. The outdoors is always changing; this creates a sensory buffet for the child to enjoy with their senses of sight, smell and touch. The sights of the sky and clouds, the sounds of birds singing in trees, and the feel of a fresh breeze, enrich infants’ experiences. The child more fully develops their sense of self when they are able to practice using their senses to observe the world around them.

Time spent outside brings physical benefits as well. For example, as children grow, looking around at their natural surroundings will also assist in their eye muscle development. As the child grows through infancy and into toddler-hood, be sure to encourage them to walk and play outdoors, instead of confining them to the stroller. This will require some patience as toddlers will be naturally drawn to small details, but will have remarkable benefits for their motor skills, attention to detail, and coordination.

Children and caregivers alike benefit from time spent outdoors. When we embark on outdoor exploration together, we get to make shared memories that can lay the foundation for a child’s lifelong love of nature. In this way, we can “let the children be free.”

Úna Shea holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and is currently studying for her AMI Assistence to Infancy diploma at the International Montessori Institute, Delft, The Netherlands.