There’s no denying it—my kids go wild when they’re cooped up indoors. First, they sulk, and then chaos ensues—action figures strewn across the living room and epic battles between plastic dinosaurs and Matchbox cars erupting in the playroom. As we homeschool, once the lessons are done, the pleas begin: “Mom, can we go outside? Please?”
The ideal response is to head to a nearby park with tranquil ponds. Armed with nets, they chase after tadpoles in the spring or hunt for bullfrogs later in the season. They catch minnows, leap from rocks, and splash in the water while I relax under a pine tree with a book and my dog. Alternatively, we might take a hike, ideally somewhere with a stunning waterfall and fossils embedded in the rocks. Although there are other hiking spots where we can collect interesting stones or spot alligators, the waterfall remains their top choice.
If we’re out of options, we might visit one of the local splash pads, although my kids only enjoy those on scorching days. On weekends, we often take to the water with a kayak for our 7-year-old and a canoe for the younger ones, paddling down the river. We engage in these activities because if my energetic sons, who both have ADHD, don’t get enough outdoor time, the house quickly becomes a disaster zone—and they become unhappy in the process.
In an article by Tom Baker in The Vancouver Sun, he highlights Richard Louv, a keynote speaker at the Children and Nature Network International Conference, who notes that children today are reporting increased attention issues and depression, often leading to more prescriptions for these problems than in the past. While I understand that my sons’ ADHD—and my own ADD and depression—aren’t solely caused by a lack of nature, it certainly helps. For instance, my eldest, Max, is noticeably calmer and more focused on days we spend outdoors. I also find myself happier and more concentrated when we kayak together.
Baker references research from the University of Illinois, which indicates that play in “green, outdoor spaces” encourages creative play and alleviates symptoms of ADHD. I’ve observed that my kids thrive when they have the freedom to explore a natural environment, free from constant adult supervision. They want to play with sticks, toss pinecones, build forts, and pretend to fish. They’re particularly drawn to water play. I may not always know exactly what they’re doing, and I think that’s part of the magic—they’re creating their own child-centered space in nature, away from the adult world’s constraints. Baker mentions that parents often hover, ready to intervene at the slightest scrape, but kids need to learn to handle those situations themselves.
E.O. Wilson, a professor at Harvard, posits that we have an inherent affinity for the natural world, a concept he calls biophilia. We are “innately attracted” to nature, which is essential for our psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. Simply put, children must engage with green spaces, or brown spaces, or even rocky terrains (just watch for snakes!) to foster their growth and creativity. They need to get muddy, observe the trees swaying in the wind, and immerse themselves in the outdoors.
Structured activities like soccer practice don’t count. While they may be outside, such organized sports seldom take place in genuine nature. Nature, by its very nature, is wild, and kids must be allowed to explore its untamed wonders to unlock their innate creativity and curiosity.
Perhaps you’re hesitant about letting them start a fire, but they can pretend. If you’re squeamish about touching tadpoles or worms, provide them with nets for gentle catching and containers for observation. The more children who join in on the fun, the better. As Louv points out, “When kids play together, they create their own rules and games, a vital aspect that has nearly vanished from urban childhood.”
We may need to put in some effort—like finding other kids to join in—and let go of some expectations, such as ensuring our child is constantly doing math homework or enrolled in every sports program. We might even have to join in ourselves. (I had to start keeping bug spray handy because the mosquitoes were driving us inside after just ten minutes.) Accepting that mud, wet clothes, and a little stickiness are part of the adventure is essential. We might encounter questions we can’t answer (What kind of mushroom is that? Is this a fungus?). Nevertheless, we must prioritize getting our children outside in nature. They deserve it for their well-being, and by extension, it benefits us too.
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In summary, it is crucial for children to spend time in nature for their overall development and happiness. Engaging with the wild not only fosters creativity and independence but also enhances their mental well-being.