How to stimulate the development of children in nature?

I don't know about you, but with my little ones, I sometimes forgot that a very mundane thing in my daily life was a completely new discovery for them: touching different textures, handling a label, hearing a dog barking, smelling a fruit .

Babies are pure little beings when they are born. Besides the primitive reflexes and the elements experienced in the mother's womb, almost everything has to be learned, everything is new, everything has to be discovered and of course, everything requires adaptation. Our little treasures need to be exposed and stimulated from a very young age.

Unfortunately, we tend to overprotect our children (me, first, I am no exception to the rule). We put little mittens on them at birth, we put slippers on them to avoid getting cold feet, we don't put them on the ground, we don't want them to play outside when it rains, etc. And it goes without saying that children don't get to play outside enough.

While talking with Dr. Chany Desgroseilliers, chiropractor and owner of the Tree of Life Chiropractic Clinic in St-Germain-de-Grantham , I wanted to share our exchange which seems more than important to me these days. She also took the time to review it to confirm what I said.

I myself have needed a return to basics for a while. Our routine, our busy daily life, the screens work against us.

We discussed how nature is calming, serene and incredibly rich in stimulating young and old. Do you feel stressed while walking in the forest? I doubt. The little extra – it’s free! Completely, completely free!

The motto - back to basics!

From a more scientific point of view, our different senses transmit all the information to the brain: “Be careful, it’s hot!” “It’s a solid surface, you can walk on it.” The different sensors in our body need to be exposed to the elements from birth to develop properly. In particular, it helps desensitize certain textures and sensations which can become problematic over time, particularly in terms of hypersensitivity. But that’s a whole other subject!

And let's talk about it - nature is rich in textures and sensations.

Did you know that walking barefoot on the grass not only allows you to have better balance, better posture and to better perceive sensations?

It is strongly recommended to let a toddler walk barefoot when the temperature permits to promote their development. A shoe with a sole reduces the transmission of sensory information. Also, the shoe can make him uncomfortable and encourage him to look at the ground. Result: loss of balance and poor posture.

Touch, the first developing sense

According to Being Born and Growing , touch is the first sense to be developed by the fetus. It's not surprising. Touch transmits a lot of information to the brain. It is crucial in child development. It is better to stimulate him by offering the child the chance to touch different materials.

Nature is full of little treasures of various sizes, textures and shapes.

• Let your child handle rocks or small tree fruits (oak acorns, tree seeds, flowers). Be sure to empty the pockets of the Comfort Evolution Pants before washing, however. History lived here.
• Have him touch fir and spruce thorns, but also tree leaves and bark. If your child is older, choose a few treasures to bring home to make crafts or use in sensory bins.
• Let them play in the sand. Whether at home or at the park, children love playing in wet or dry sand. Uses empty food containers, utensils. No need to buy expensive toys to allow them to play.

You know, it doesn't matter if he eats a little sand. Babies also learn a lot through the mouth.

Looking forward to rainy days!

If there's anything I've let go of, it's letting my kids play in the mud and rain! Clothes and children can be washed.

We put on rain boots, we wear a raincoat to avoid being cold and we enjoy the outdoors. On the way back, take off the damp clothes and put on an ultra softbath poncho or very soft clothes made of bamboo or lyocell . Total comfort with a comforting drink.

Did you know that rain has a liberating effect?

It awakens the senses. The smells are increased tenfold outside, the forest amplifies the noises and the stress is evacuated. It's zen for both children and parents.

What are the benefits of walking in the forest?

Walking in the forest brings its share of zenitude, but also stimulates creativity and curiosity. It smells good. The air is purified by the trees. The animals sometimes show up to the delight of young and old alike. We find little treasures there.

Take a few moments to let your little one walk or explore the environment, if he or she isn't walking yet. Let him touch.

As for the older ones, let them wander. Encourage them to carry a small backpack to do like the adults. They will feel involved. The different movements allow you to exercise your body and learn to control it while improving your physical health.

Stop near a stream to observe the movement of the water or on a bridge. Why not throw small pebbles into the water and listen to the sound the water makes when the pebble hits the surface?

We sometimes look for an activity that would be out of the ordinary, that would impress the children. Often there is no point in looking very far.

• Discover a new park
• Walk in the forest
• Go near a water point
• Play in the sand
• Find elements from nature to make a craft

These are all very beneficial activities for the proper development of the brain since it is through movement that it develops the most. In addition, these activities allow you to get a change of scenery, decompress and enjoy the present moment with your family.