Collaborative post
You’re not alone if you feel at peace outdoors among nature. Being in nature is good for our well-being, helping us disconnect from life’s stresses. At the same time, it also benefits children and young people (CYP). According to a survey on children and nature in England, as many as 85% of CYP agreed that being in nature made them very happy. In addition, people who spent more time in natural spaces had lower levels of anxiety and loneliness, with their connection to nature helping them overcome negative emotions.
Considering its importance to well-being, families should engage in outdoor activities together. One easy way children and adults of any age can engage with the environment is through nature walks, allowing you to bond with nature and your family. For longer trips, in particular, make sure you prepare the essentials. Listed below are some things you should bring on your next family nature walk:
Water bottles
Staying hydrated is of utmost importance for every activity, even low-intensity exercise like walking. We recommend each family member have their own water bottle to track how much water they’ve drunk. Small water bottles such as Klean Kanteen’s stainless-steel water bottle are perfect for toddlers as it has a metal loop they can easily hold while walking. Furthermore, its spill-proof sippy cap has a dust cover, keeping the mouth clean even if they swing their bottle around. For your health, it’s best to avoid drinks with added sugar or sweeteners and stick to water or unsweetened tea for hydration. To help your drink stay cool and refreshing, you should get an insulated bottle like the brand mentioned above.
Sturdy pram
Nature walks can be enjoyable and have a lot to take in, making younger kids tired early. Rather than straining your back to carry your child, it’s best to invest in a sturdy stroller to bring them home. These double prams by iCandy demonstrate how it’s easy to get about even across grassy terrain. They are equipped with tough tyres with increased tread and grip — ensuring excellent manoeuvrability of the wheels. Furthermore, their built-in suspension can ensure your child remains comfortable even on less smooth terrain. When choosing a stroller, make sure it has additional features that benefit your child and maximise comfort for you, such as adjustable handles— which are great for protecting your wrists going up or downhill.
Treasure containers
If you’re going on a walk in your neighbourhood, bring containers for your children to fill with ‘treasures’, like fallen leaves, flowers, and pebbles. They can use the collected items to create an art project at home or help you decorate your garden with natural materials. However, as All Things Nature highlights the importance of nature, it’s crucial that parents teach children to respect nature. While taking some interesting things on the ground is okay, kids need to pay attention and respect the space of plants, small trees, and animals. This can also serve as a stepping stone to teaching kids not to litter. Parents should lead by example and show children can hold their rubbish until they find a rubbish bin.
Spare clothes
Although you may not need extra clothes for a short walk near your home, having a clean set of clothes and a towel is vital for a comfortable trip back home. Even when you least expect it, your children may want to play with a mud patch they found along the way and get themselves dirty. Rather than stop their fun, let your children loose and explore their environment, but keep an eye on the young ones. If your children are older, have them carry their own backpacks with the essentials. Parents should also check the weather report ahead of time, especially if their family needs extra layers of clothing for a cooler day.