We often read about the benefits of time in the natural world, and many of us experience it first hand when we feel the difference it makes to our sense of well-being to spend time in nature.
Children also love time in the natural world, and love exploring and going for walks. However, sometimes their pace is a little different to ours! They may want to stop and look at a log for a long period of time; they may want to spend time mastering climbing a tree; or perhaps they want to race ahead and run as fast as they can. Puddles alone have infinite opportunities for toddlers to play and experience pure joy in a way that brings delight to almost anyone witnessing it.
How can we support toddlers in exploring at their pace?
Let them take the lead - instead of us being the ones to decide which path to take, let your child choose the way. This enables them to go at their pace, helps them learn how to take responsibility for making decisions, and empowers them to feel capable and trusted.
Facilitate their fascinated attention - children develop concentration from being fascinated by the world around them not by being told what to focus on. A nature walk is the perfect way to enable them to access this kind of attention and concentration. It might just mean being prepared for the fact you only make it a small distance before it is time to go home!
Encourage them to tackle challenges and assess risk. If they want to roll down that hill or climb a tree, talk with them about possible risks and how they can keep themselves safe. This increases their independence and their ability to have a growth mindset approach to life.
Be prepared for some walks to be energetic, and some to be slower paced. Sometimes a child will want to race ahead and cover the most distance possible, and at other times they will want to go slowly and mindfully. Both are equally important!
Bring a couple of resources with you to facilitate their exploration. A bug pot, a magnifying glass, a basket to collect things in, and plant or animal identification cards can all add to a child’s experience as they carry out their adventures in the natural world.
Time in nature enables children and adults to pause, connect, be mindful, explore, experience adventure, take appropriate risk, and experience the sense of grounding and calm that can come from the natural world. Trips into nature don't have to mean going to woodland or the beach…just as much exploration and fun can be found at the local park!