Nature’s unpredictability encourages children to navigate the world/ Supporting children cope with discomfort / building confidence
Highlights: Free play in nature offers children vital opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. Natural environments present ever-changing challenges that help build resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional development. Through unstructured play, children push their boundaries, face fears, and gain confidence. Nature can be new and lead to uncertainty, especially for children unfamiliar with nature. Guide children through these new, sometimes daunting experiences, by acknowledging their feelings and framing new encounters in a positive light. Supporting children through fear, will build confidence and support the development of autonomy and a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Authors: Marleen Ruigrok and Anouk Schouten (Struin, Netherlands)
Nature as an ultimate playground
Encouraging children to play freely in nature is about more than just fun; it’s about nurturing their emotional and physical development in a holistic way.
Children need space to grow, explore, and challenge themselves. The natural environment, with its ever-changing conditions, provides a space that constantly presents new opportunities for learning. From different weather patterns to various landscapes, nature’s unpredictability encourages children to observe, adapt, and respond to their surroundings. These experiences teach them how to navigate the world with confidence and resilience.
Untamed nature is full of surprises. A fallen log can become a bridge, a pile of leaves a hidden treasure. Every new element—whether it’s a stream, a muddy trail, or a towering tree—presents a unique challenge. Through this, children learn to manage risks, make decisions, and develop problem-solving skills. More importantly, they begin to build emotional resilience. For example, feeling the discomfort of cold rain makes the warmth of the sun even more enjoyable when it returns. These contrasting experiences teach children to appreciate both the highs and lows of their adventures.
When children play outdoors, they engage with both living and non-living elements of nature. These encounters evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to fear and uncertainty. Children might feel the exhilaration of jumping into a stream or the initial discomfort of walking barefoot on rough terrain. These sensory experiences stimulate a deeper connection with their environment and help them understand their own boundaries.
Embracing the unknown: Supporting children cope with their fears
Nature isn’t always comfortable. For many children, especially those unfamiliar with outdoor environments, the unpredictability of nature can be daunting. They may feel nervous about getting dirty, encountering insects, or navigating unfamiliar terrain. These fears are natural, and it’s important to approach them with empathy and understanding.
As a guide, your attitude plays a crucial role in how children perceive their experiences in nature. By acknowledging their feelings and framing new encounters in a positive light, you can help them build confidence. For instance, if a child is afraid of mud, explain how it sticks because of the water and earth mixing together. Keep explanations simple and approachable, but always validate the child’s emotions. If mosquitoes are bothering the children, a lighthearted comment about how thrilled the mosquitoes are to have them around can ease the tension.
Children often look to adults for cues on how to react to situations. By showing that you are calm and comfortable, they are more likely to relax and enjoy the experience. Over time, they will learn that their initial discomfort can give way to joy and curiosity, helping them become more resilient to future challenges.
Pushing boundaries safely
A significant part of playing in nature is about allowing children to push their limits. This doesn’t mean encouraging reckless behavior, but rather supporting them as they take on new challenges that might feel risky or exciting. Learning to navigate these moments is a skill that children can carry with them into adulthood, fostering a sense of perseverance and courage.
Here are some ways children can safely push their limits in nature:
- Wading through water, even in cooler weather, teaches resilience and adaptability.
- Encountering wildlife, whether it’s a harmless insect or an animal carcass, can be a valuable lesson in nature’s cycles. For example, finding a deceased animal can lead to discussions about its role in the ecosystem. If children wish to bury it, consider the needs of other animals, like a fox that might benefit from a meal.
- Navigating dense undergrowth or rough terrain builds physical endurance and problem-solving skills.
- Experiencing discomfort from stings or nettles helps children understand that these sensations are temporary and manageable.
These challenges don’t just provide physical stimulation, they teach children to face their fears, cope with discomfort, and celebrate their achievements. When children are encouraged to take on these exciting experiences within a safe and supportive environment, they develop a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Nurture independence and connection
One of the most powerful aspects of free play in nature is the autonomy it grants children. When they are given the freedom to explore and engage with the natural world on their own terms, they form a deeper, more personal connection to their environment. These unstructured experiences are where children learn the most, not from adult-led activities, but from their own observations and interactions with the world around them.
For children who are less familiar with nature, structured activities can serve as a gentle introduction. Guided walks or simple games can help ease their discomfort and build their confidence. Over time, as they grow more comfortable, they will begin to take ownership of their experiences, exploring the natural world with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Free play in nature is more than just fun, it’s an essential part of childhood development. By giving children the space and freedom to explore, we allow them to grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Through their adventures, they learn to embrace the unknown, push their boundaries, and find joy in both the beauty and challenges of the natural world.
