Why do children need nature?

Develop self-confidence:

When playing in nature, children have to be more attentive than in most other games. They thereby learn to better assess different situations, for example the height of the tree stump they want to climb onto. In doing so they may sometimes fall and hurt themselves. However, this makes them more independent and builds self-confidence.

Free play: In nature, children have fewer guidelines for playing:

They simply do what they want, explore their surroundings and can engage with them for as long and as intensively as they enjoy.

Creative & imaginative:

When playing outdoors, children rarely bring toys with them. They can, however, make swords out of sticks here or imagine a small castle standing among the trees. This not only promotes creativity but also imagination.

Staying fit:

Children need exercise — preferably in the fresh air. Anyone who is indoors all day or just sits becomes lazy quickly and tends to gain weight. Outside your child can romp to their heart's content and really burn off energy. That keeps your child fit and agile.

Where can I discover nature in the city?

Parks:

The classic among natural spots in the city. In every large city there is at least one big park. Often a beautiful lake has also been created here. On a walk or a picnic, your child can thus explore the nature around them.

Outside the city gates:

Often it's enough to drive just beyond the city limits to neighboring villages or forests. From time to time there are even specially laid out walking paths here that lead past great spots in nature and convey knowledge about plants and animals to children in a playful way.

Allotment garden association:

An allotment garden association still conjures up the image of a gnome on a neat lawn for many. But the small gardens are very popular, especially with young families. Maybe look for a free plot near you where you can create beds with your children and plant flowers or vegetables. Here your child can inspect all kinds of insects and animals that are attracted by the colorful flowers.

Sowing and planting:

If you don't have the opportunity to take care of a large garden to look after, you can set up a small plant cultivation at home with minimal means. A few tomato seeds or cress in a pot on the windowsill and your child can observe from the start how the plants grow — and taste the delicious results. Even small areas in front of the house can be planted, e.g. with sunflowers.

Set up feeding stations:

Especially in winter, small feeding places on the balcony and in front of the window are excellent for attracting urban wildlife. This way you and your child can not only feed birds or squirrels with the welcome seeds, but also discover which animal neighbors you have.

Tips for the city – How to bring your city child into nature

Have trust:

Depending on age, you can also allow your child to go on an exploration tour alone. For example, you can visit a park where your child is allowed to move around freely. Under the watchful eyes of adults, children will never play as freely or try as much as they actually want or should. Trust your child to be able to look after themselves sometimes.

Getting dirty is allowed:

When playing in nature there is dirt and mud. That then quickly ends up on clothing. The experiences your child has are, however, more important than any garment.

Start exploration tours:

With an appointment in mind, we often rush through the streets without seeing how much nature is around us. Take time now and then to explore the area. That way you yourself will probably discover something new even on familiar routes.

Small corners are enough:

It doesn't always have to be a large park to discover nature in the city. Look around and you will surely find a patch of green or a tree where urban animals like birds or squirrels live.

Image credits

Children playing in the sandbox © Westend61 - stock.adobe.com

Children and a man play basketball © liderina - stock.adobe.com