Why being Outdoors is Great for Children

As an outdoor location photographer, I naturally LOVE being OUTSIDE! I feel very blessed that I can work outside (unless I’m editing at my desk!) and the feeling that being outdoors gives to me. With having children of teen and pre-teen age, it’s never been more important to get outside with my children. As the half term holidays are just around the corner, I thought I’d share the benefits out being outdoors with your children and maybe you’ll be able to get them off that phone, switch, tv etc!

Family Connection and Communication

It’s amazing how a simple walk together as a family can help you all to switch off, re-connect and enjoy time together. ‘Sideways talking & listening’ (talking whilst you’re walking side by side) with your children has huge benefits to your children, especially as it can be seen by teenagers as less threatening and might encourage more openness of communication.  

Great Exercise

Getting outdoors with children of any age is hugely beneficial to their physical health, increasing the heart rate, increasing feel good endorphins and helping them to sleep better at night. When outdoors, children just want to run, skip, jump, leap and climb, all great for a healthier body.

Inspires Creativity

The great outdoors is such a vast playground for the imagination, children just seem to be able to amuse themselves and find things that spark their creative side. Even a stick, flower, puddle or a leaf can be the most wondrous thing that takes them into their own little world…

Reduces stress and fatigue

Being outdoors has been proven to boost energy, reduce blood pressure and breathing in the fresh air and inhaling the scent and aroma of trees, flowers and grass can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Walking in nature helps to restore your focus and clear your thoughts.

Caring for the environment

The natural environment is something to be treasured and cherished and our children’s generation are the ones who are going to take over looking after it, so it’s so important that we instil a sense of respect and responsibility for the world around us. Whilst growing up in tune with nature, our children will learn a deep sense of love and care towards mother nature and the importance of caring for the environment, creatures and others.

Builds Immunity

When in the great outdoors, a natural instinct for children is to pick up sticks, leaves, stones etc and study worms and bugs. All this exploration is great and getting mucky is great to help build our children’s immune system and their resilience when they are brave enough to climb the tree, wade through the river and get back up when they’ve grazed their knee.

So this half term, I’ll be dragging my children outside for some walks, even though they will protest to start, they always LOVE being outside!

Get in touch in you want me to help your family achieve beautiful, relaxed family photos!

www.awhitephotography.com