Five Ways to Help Children Fall in Love with Nature

In recent decades, our relationship with the environment has changed dramatically. Many of us now live in urban areas, disconnected from the natural world. While schools teach children facts about nature, what is often missed is personal experience—something that can only be gained by direct engagement with the outdoors. Children need to fall in love with nature because when we love something, we instinctively protect it. So, how can we nurture this love in children? Here are five ways to help.

Fall in love with nature yourself!

Children learn through “natural absorption” as I call it.  Parent’s, and carer’s reality becomes theirs. They do it unconsciously even as young as 0-2 years old. I know it’s unbelievable! But that’s how our mind works. If you love nature, spend time outside, and appreciate every little plant and insect around you - so will they. Go for a walk in the forest, hug the trees, notice all the wildlife around them, and feel the connection with trees when you breathe. Without trees we wouldn’t have the oxygen to breathe, appreciate them. Let them see you connect with the natural world—hug a tree, breathe in the fresh air, and notice the difference between the atmosphere of a forest and the air in the city. I think as adults we need to realise that we are not separate, there’s an unbreakable bond between us. We are nature, we are all one.

Spend Unstructured Time Outside with Your Child

Take your child to parks, gardens, forests, or nature reserves, and let them explore at their own pace. Avoid over-structuring these outings—allow your child to lead. See what they’re interested in, do they pick up leaves, watch an ant nest, love to touch a cone, or observe a butterfly? Be with them at that moment and encourage that sense of wonder and admiration. Maybe you know some interesting facts about trees or insects, that would be the best time to tell them about.  You can even plant a tree - There are many organisations helping children to plant trees. Find one in your local area to ensure the right time and tree is chosen.

 Create Nature-Based Games

Turn outdoor adventures into fun, nature-based games. Scavenger hunts are a great way to engage children, and you can find plenty of ideas online. Maybe there’s a forest school nearby you can sign up your child for. Prepare mud pies, tree climbing, and dens made from fallen tree branches, ideas are endless. Or simply allow children to help you with the garden, and if you don’t have a garden you can plant something at home and watch it grow every day. Maybe their favourite flowers or veggies. I promise you they’ll love it.

Learn and Share Fascinating Facts About Nature

There’s still so much to discover about our planet. We know less about the ocean than we know about space. Did you know trees can communicate with each other in many different ways? And bees dance to communicate? There’s still so much to discover! So read and watch everything that’ll help you to find out more about the beauty and wonder of our blue planet. I love all series by Sir David Attenborough, it inspired me to write Ocean Full of Wonder. Imagine what you can do!  And then share your love with your kids and show them the beauty of our nature!

Read Nature-Themed Books Together

Introduce your children to stories that celebrate nature, not just books full of facts. Stories that convey the beauty of the natural world can help children form a deep, emotional connection with it. Read these books outdoors whenever possible, and turn the themes into fun activities.  My book “Tree Full of Wonder” has got “spot a tree” activity at the back which you can use outside. There are also free downloads for teachers, parents, and carers which go with the book. Make the children fall in love with the natural world and they’ll become Protectors of Nature.

Anna Smithers - When she’s not writing her new books, Anna Smithers can be found searching magical forests and oceans for new ideas, and drinking lots of hot chocolate. Anna is the architect of mindful stories for kids that foster children's well-being, mindfulness, and a deep connection with nature. She's also an award-winning author and fully qualified yoga therapist for children and young adults. She lives and teaches in Cheshire, England.

Mindful Stories for Kids create a calmer and brighter future, one child at a time.

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Website: www.annasmithers.com

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