Why getting outside with my son is a priority

When I think about my own childhood, some of my fondest memories are outdoors. A trip to the park to play football or going on a river walk with friends, climbing trees whilst paying hide and seek or simply playing kerby on our streets. You remember the times too! Being outside was a source of a lot of happy times and adventure and now I see the same potential for joy and growth in my son’s experiences.

It has always been a priority to encourage him to get outdoors and as a toddler keeping him indoors was a battle. However now as he grows (he is still only 6), and technology has become more prevalent amongst other things, I can see him losing some of that enthusiasm to get outside.
Screen time is a whole other can of worms, but as we navigate this element of our lives, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of getting him outside and ensuring he continues to develop a relationship with the outdoors and nature from a young age.

The world outside our door is the ultimate playground, offering endless opportunities for exploration and learning. Every rock, stick, and puddle are a potential treasure. On one of our walks, one small stick was used as a wand, a bridge for a worm, and a rainbow before it was thrown into the river from a bridge as we raced across to see it pass under us. It is this joy and wonderful imagination that I never want him to lose!

Physical and mental wellbeing

One of the most obvious benefits of getting outside is the physical exercise it provides. In a world where screens dominate so much of our time, I really believe it is crucial to ensure that we keep our children moving.
For my son, getting outdoors means running, jumping, and climbing, which not only burns off his boundless energy, helps with sleep but also helps in developing gross motor skills and coordination.
Whether he’s chasing after a ball, riding his bike, or simply running around playing Mario races, he’s getting the kind of physical activity that’s essential for healthy growth.

Additionally, there’s something inherently calming about being in nature. There’s a whole load of science behind it, but in simple terms, I’ve noticed that my son is happier and more relaxed after spending time outside. The fresh air, natural light, and open spaces have a way of reducing stress and boosting his mood.

Playing outside also provides opportunities for cognitive development, social interaction and more….. helping form strong, healthy relationships with others and the environment.

Cultivating a Love and Appreciation for Nature

This is a huge deal for me! One of my biggest hopes is that by spending time outside, my son will develop a deep appreciation for nature and all it offers us.
I remember asking a child where a certain food comes from, and their response was “the supermarket”. It’s easy to become disconnected from the natural world and I want him to develop an understanding of things like where food comes from. Seeing how food is grown, from planting seeds to picking strawberries he will learn the value of hard work, patience, and the natural processes that many people including myself, can often take for granted.
Trust me I’m no Alan Titchmarsh, and I don’t grow all my own food, but we try, we practice gratitude and appreciate all that nature offers us as much as we can.

Encouraging him to explore and have a deep appreciation for the outdoors will cultivate empathy and respect for all living things too which I hope will make him more nurturing and develop a conscious mindset with love and respect for the environment.

Making Outdoor Time a Priority

In our busy lives, it can be challenging to carve out time to get outside. We are busy, and as a family, we have something on most evenings and weekends.
We play a lot of sport and are all physically active, but over the years I have recognised the value of being outside away from organised sport too!

I truly believe the benefits of getting my son (and children in general) outside are immeasurable. So, if you can take one thing away, please just get outside……. Your street, the park, the beach, walk the dog!
Reap the benefits and explore the world right here on our doorsteps.