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The Joys of Nature Play When parents take it easy, kids can thrive During these summer weeks, most kids delight in outdoor play and maximize the joy that this time of year holds for them. Whether treehouse building or hiking, playing in nature comes with its fair share of risks, as well. While parents are aware that outdoor play is a crucial part of growing up and most are happy to give their kids the opportunity to do so, a new study from the University of South Australia has found that when play gets messy or seems risky, parents are reluctant to let their kids continue playing, and too much restriction can impede their development. Kylie Dankiw, a researcher from the University of South Australia, explains that adults play an important role in deciding how kids play outside. “Playing in nature has many benefits for kids, like helping their health, growth, and happiness,” says Dankiw. She also notes that nature play can help kids control their feelings, improve their physical skills, and do better at learning. But while parents agree that playing outside can also help kids understand and care about nature and educate them in a myriad of ways, they sometimes struggle with letting kids do messy activities, like playing with water or mud, or ones that may be a bit risky, like climbing. 18
WELLSPRING / AUGUST 2023
However, experts disagree. Children need to learn to play freely without restrictions on cleanliness and even at times on riskiness. Of course, as parents we need to evaluate the level of safety, but it’s okay for a child to learn and fall along the way. Dr. Margarita Tsiros, a child expert from the university, says that teaching parents more about the value of nature play could help. She explains, “Understanding the problems adults have with nature play can help us come up with ways to make it more accepted. We can also change rules and practices to make nature play easier.” In a passionate talk on the topic, Tsiros implored, “We must provide chances for kids to play in nature. To do this, we need parents and teachers on board.” While muddy puddles, sticky hands, and sandy toes might not be fun to us parents, their benefits far outweigh the temporary mess. It might be time to rethink our approach—and explore our own reluctance—toward nature play by embracing a bit of mess and perceived risk. During these last summer licks, we could allow them to explore, discover, and grow and become happier, healthier children. (Source: ScienceDaily)
