Why it's so important that children play outdoors, all year round, says Anja ffrench. And fun ideas for encouraging kids outside in winter!
In the short, grey days of winter, it can be tempting to design indoor activities for our children, and leave walks and nature until the spring. British children are among the most housebound in the world – spending on average of 56% more time on technology than playing outside, and, according to the National Trust, about half as much time, overall, as their parents.
The amount of time our children spend outdoors dramatically falls in the winter months. Let’s face it: the British winter is not as it is presented in Christmas cards – it’s cold, wet, often grey, and muddy – not exactly tempting!
But I believe time spent outdoors should be given the same level of priority when caring for children, as their academic education. Needing just a bit of preparation, and the right kit, it is good for them, good for us and good for the world. And here’s why.
It's good for our children
Studies show that children who regularly access green spaces are fitter and healthier, have enhanced brain development, improved concentration and better mental health and wellbeing, The Northern Irish government’s research found that children who are used to playing outdoors, are more likely to try new activities, engage with others, solve problems, make friends, show resilience and explore the natural environment.
The UK government’s Children’s People and Nature Survey for England (2021) found that 85% of children said being outdoors made them happier. It reported that “those spending time outside at least once a week were more likely to report ‘very high’ levels of happiness, as were those who reported ‘high’ connection to nature.”
Type of play matters. Research from the World Economic Forum shows that children who have regular ‘free play’ outdoors are more likely to do better at school. Free play allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play.
It’s good for us
Eleven years of my own ‘practical research’ into this subject – I have been that parent who can’t get their children outside on a morning – backs the above up. After dealing with too much cabin fever I’ve decided my three children and I HAVE to go out every day – for all of our sanity! Even if it’s just a walk or cycle to the local shops, spending time outdoors calms all of us and puts us in a better frame of mind. My children are so much happier, more open to new ideas and fight less, when they’ve spent time outdoors.
It's good for the world
As a parent trying to raise my children to care for the natural world around them, it has always felt intuitive to me that they first need to love and derive pleasure from nature.
If we make a connection to nature as children, and have happy memories of it, we are far more likely to make green choices and act to protect the environment as adults, and the evidence for this is stacking up:
The Children’s People and Nature Survey for England found that children who “spent time outdoors and noticing nature ‘every day’ or ‘most days’, were more likely to agree that looking after the environment was important to them”.
From my work with educators and teachers with Mud & Bloom, we know that young children learn best in ways that engage all their senses. A 2D image on a screen has less impact than the whole body experience of climbing a tree, going for a walk or collecting leaves and sticks. Moreover, nature connects us to place and community – children make friends more easily and readily outdoors than indoors – turning us into more engaged citizens on a range of social, as well as environmental, issues.
HOW TO GET KIDS OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER
So how do we get our children and ourselves away from the TV, games console and warm fire and out and about for the next few months?
Talk it up
How much children WANT to play outside has a lot to do with how we, their parents, perceive the natural world and the interest we take in it: if children are taken on family outings to forests or parks they will start to see nature as something you value.
Mind your weather language
Talking the weather down, which we all do, in front of our children affects how they perceive it. If it’s raining and freezing for example, try something like “it’s a dressing up warm day today! Let’s bring a flask of hot chocolate with us” – this portrays the weather in a more positive light and makes us feel more positive about it too!
Dress for the weather and slow down
Investing in some sturdy full-body waterproofs and warm clothes for your children during the winter months will help them feel more comfortable. But, just as importantly, get some for yourself as well – investing in a warm down jacket means you can spend a lot longer standing in the park or move at your children’s own pace!
Have a list of things to do!
Your time outdoors could involve anything from bike riding, gardening, getting out to local woods and parks, playing ball games, going for a hike, playing in a playground, or just deciding to walk somewhere instead of driving or getting public transport.
My work with children aged three to eight shows that involving nature in craft activities and doing gardening with them, encourages a regular engagement and fascination with nature. Using found items in craft activities, in particular, is a way of slowing down and noticing the natural beauty all around us.
Finally, going outdoors doesn’t have to mean doing more: it can just mean approaching your schedule differently. Keep a list of activities on your fridge door so you always have some ideas on a Saturday morning!
Anja is a mother of three and founder of Mud & Bloom, which she started from her kitchen table three years ago. She saw first hand when she took her own children out the improvements to their mental and physical health and concentration which scientists talk about all the time.
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