There are so many reasons I love getting out in nature with my family! Not only are there many positive health effects, mentally and physically, but it is also a time for my family to bond. We have been going on hikes at local forest preserves as a family since I was pregnant with my first child, the time spent hiking not only helped improve my lung function and help mitigate the common pregnancy ailments but it also is a great way to destress. As my children have grown we have taken our exploring in nature to new levels, we sometimes spend hours in the woods just playing. This type of play promotes healthy sensory and motor development. Children learn how to take risks and move with bodies in natural ways to promote high mobility, healthy weight and body strength.
My kids love for nature and curiosity has also stemmed off to gardening and growing our own food. This is our 5th year doing our backyard garden, while we do not have a ton of space, we make use of what we do have with raised garden beds and companion planting. My children will help plant the seeds, tend the garden by watering, and weeding, and are amazed as our fruits, herbs and vegetables begin to appear. My children will take snack breaks while playing in the backyard, grabbing a leaf or kale or a few cherry tomatoes and get right back to it. Not only does this promote healthy eating habits it is also a wonderful learning opportunity for them. Growing our own food has made trying new dishes exciting because the vegetables came from their garden!
I encourage every family to find ways to get outside, explore nature, and experience what nature has to offer. Allowing my kids to taste, see, smell, hear, and touch outside brings wellness and happiness to our whole family.
With Gratitude,
Liz Simbi
