The Tangled Trail

The Calming Effect of Nature on Children

One of the great things about playing in nature is that bouts of exertion and excitement are often interspersed with quiet, contemplative time.  I don’t have to recommend these quiet moments… my five-year-old sits down and calms himself entirely on his own whenever he’s inspired by the beauty around him.

I often wonder what he’s thinking, but I wouldn’t dare interrupt the magic of the moment…

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Photos taken January 21st, 2013

Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Berkeley

Articles about the calming effects of nature in children…

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Responses

  1. Simple Northern Life Avatar
    Simple Northern Life

    I remember when we switch our daughter’s school and decided to go online at home a few short weeks into Becca seemed to be a little depressed. Besides her being ill with chronic lung issues and missing her friends I really think that the bigger issues was her being cooped up inside in the middle of winter was a her biggest downer.So her dad and I decided to take her on an impromptu trip in the car ride to her favorite destination, Duluth. WE had a wonderful time even though it was cold we got to see the sites of the harbor and enjoy old fashioned treats: popcorn and hot chocolate while walking on the snow covered path of the boardwalk. Nature is a true inspiration when we need cheering up. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts, Allie.

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      Ah, the wonderful, healing nature of a bit of time in nature. I, too, begin to feel a bit blue when I’m deprived of it. As, I suspect, most people do, whether they know it or not. Good job noticing the effect on your daughter and giving her a healing dose of outdoor time.

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  2. lifeofaministermom Avatar
    lifeofaministermom

    As you know, my daughter is just 15 months, but even in her infant stage, we knew that the fresh air, a nice long walk, and a cool breeze were all things that soothed her. Even if we’re only able to steal away to our porch for a few minutes, she and nature are becoming fast friends!

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      I wrote about this very topic when I first started blogging… http://anaturemom.com/2012/02/27/exploring-nature-with-babies/ 🙂

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  3. This Beautiful World Through His Eyes | Nature Mom Avatar
    This Beautiful World Through His Eyes | Nature Mom

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  4. Why I Am An Outdoor Mother + Top Pick Gear Gifts | Tales of a Mountain Mama

    […] – Linda, A Nature Mom […]

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  5. dorothycunningham Avatar
    dorothycunningham

    Wish every parent could read this….Nature does have a calming effect on children…nicely written and your photos are a blessing….

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      Thank you, Dorothy.

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  6. Coral Swan Avatar
    Coral Swan

    I agree with you. Nature is calming for children – and oldies too! Thanks for the links – most interesting.

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      I know I need it!

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  7. de Wets Wild Avatar
    de Wets Wild

    We most certainly agree on the positive effects the outdoors could have on the mental, emotional and physical development of children – we’ve been taking our son along on trips into the wild places of South Africa from the time he was two weeks old and it is probably the best parenting decision we’ve made!

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      Exactly.. we, too, started taking him regularly into the outdoors at two weeks old, and I agree that it’s one of the best things we’ve done for our child.

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  8. bluebrightly Avatar
    bluebrightly

    That’s so true – I never thought of it that way. Like a built in rhythm almost.

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      I hadn’t looked at it like that. Yes, it is a kind of built-in rhythm.

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  9. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    Precious photos!

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      I’m glad I was able to capture the moments!

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  10. LB Avatar
    LB

    Lovely photos!!
    You might like this book my friend wrote about children and nature. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Sense-Wonder-Connecting-through/dp/0820331031

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      The book looks wonderful. I’ll check it out!

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  11. thesinglecrunch Avatar
    thesinglecrunch

    How beautiful. Just changed my day. Sharing on my Facebook page, thank you.

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      So glad it resonated with you! It’s a message I think a lot of people would benefit from… adults and children alike.

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  12. Leaky Gut Syndrome Avatar
    Leaky Gut Syndrome

    Thank you for sharing to us.this is fantastic.

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      You’re welcome. 🙂

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  13. Mamatography: Week 3 « A Nature Mom Avatar
    Mamatography: Week 3 « A Nature Mom

    […] See post:  The Calming Effect of Nature on Children […]

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  14. Three Well Beings Avatar
    Three Well Beings

    Absolutely wonderful to see! I’m sure this sets him up for a lifetime of learning how to relax and let go!

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      One can only hope. When he was two, I also started the “step back and take a deep breath” concept to help him when he became upset. I’ve found that when he becomes frustrated or angry about something while we’re at home, he usually runs up to his room, where I’ll find him staring out the window at the oak tree, watching the birds. He usually comes back down relaxed and normal again. Ah, the healing power of nature!

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  15. frankoshanko Avatar
    frankoshanko

    It’s great for big kids too! 🙂

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      Works for me!

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  16. Kodiak My Little Grizzly Avatar
    Kodiak My Little Grizzly

    He looks like he’s just taking it all in… whatever he’s thinking it’s only peaceful!!! 🙂

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      I agree. 🙂

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  17. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
    Linda, A Nature Mom

    Absolutely. My favorite book on the subject for adults is The Nature Principle by Richard Louv (who also wrote Last Child in the Woods, about nature and kids). http://richardlouv.com/books/nature-principle/ Two books I recommend all the time!

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    1. Alex Jones Avatar
      Alex Jones

      Thanks for the links.

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  18. Alex Jones Avatar
    Alex Jones

    The interactions with nature has many advantages from mental health to eye sight. Works for adults too 🙂

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    1. Linda, A Nature Mom Avatar
      Linda, A Nature Mom

      Oops, I replied to your message by creating a new comment. See above! 🙂

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