Mud and Slop: Why Nature Play is Good for Kids

Did you know that by providing your child the opportunity to play outdoors increases self-reliance and cooperation with others? It also reduces stress and acting out. Children are smarter, happier and healthier if they have time for unstructured play in the great outdoors. Rocks, sand, mud, twigs, water and tree stumps are all examples that make up a great outdoor play. Being outdoors is a simple pleasure. Outdoor play enhances child development. Children can label, classify and experiment with the elements of nature.  The wonderment simply never ends.  I see nature as a child’s sixth sense.

I’ve been a supporter of Biophilia (which is the love of the outdoors) for years, and I make efforts to provide natural play areas in my own back yard. My older son is a Mud King and my younger child is the Mud Prince.  Everyday, all year round, you can find my boys sloshing, digging and creating in their custom mud pit.  Ah, the life of a child…

Adventures in nature peak enthusiasms and joy  — so let kids get down and dirty where they learn, live and play.

For more great parenting tips, check out Kimberely’s book, The Go-To Mom’s Guide.