Building Resilience in Nature
In our resilience hub, we discuss the importance of letting children struggle before jumping in to fix everything. But struggle alone isn’t enough.
Our approach to resilience is built on connection, play, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. Earlier, we explored how laughter and humour help build connection. (You can read the post here.) And there's another powerful partner in building your child's inner strength: nature.
But as with everything else, that connection isn't automatic. Research by McArdle, Harrison, and Harrison (2013) shows that when you bring a nurturing approach to the outdoors, nature's impact grows. The outdoor environment becomes a space where children can build the self-regulation and confidence they need to handle life's challenges.
The power of the nurturing approach
A nurturing approach is about being a secure base while children explore the unpredictable world of the outdoors. In nature, a child might struggle to climb a fallen log or find their way through a muddy path. Instead of jumping in to fix the path or lift them over the obstacle, the nurturing adult offers emotional support and encouragement, allowing children to try. This lets the child experience the struggle within a safe relationship, turning a moment of frustration into an opportunity to practice self-regulation and problem-solving.
The research’s emphasis on the nurturing approach calls us to be more mindful of how we interact with children in nature. (And I believe, in life, in general)
Are we constantly warning them not to run, jump, climb, or roll in the mud? Or are we giving them the space to explore nature with their curiosity?
There’s extensive research on risky play and its benefits for children, which we explore here. But here’s the thing: nature is unpredictable. And that unpredictability can make us adults feel anxious. What if we tried to let go of that worry and enjoyed the natural calm that being outdoors offers?
Nature also offers something special for child-led play. When children play with sticks, leaves, rocks, and water, there’s no wrong way to do it. The possibilities are endless. This open-ended play builds imagination and problem-solving skills and helps children feel they have control over their world.
According to the Children and Nature Network, over 1,000 research studies point to nature’s benefits for human health and wellbeing. Many of these studies suggest that time in nature can be especially supportive for children facing physical or mental health challenges, poverty, or trauma.
What does this mean for us, parents and educators?
Looking at this research and the over 1,000 studies on nature and resilience, we can see a clear connection between outdoor play and building resilience. So what does this mean for us as parents and educators?
First, create as many opportunities as possible for outdoor time. Rain or shine. As Alfred Wainwright said, there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. (Hint: it might be worth investing in a good muddy buddy and waterproof boots.)
But taking children outside isn’t enough on its own. The next time you’re outdoors with your child, notice your own approach. Pay attention to how it feels when you resist the urge to jump in and help. That discomfort of not intervening? Sit with it for a moment. Notice what it brings up for you.
And most importantly, let yourself have fun, too. Enjoy nature. Be present. Your presence and your joy in being outdoors matter just as much as the time spent outdoors.
Remember the quote we love so much that we even have on our homepage? Brené Brown reminds us:
“Who we are and how we engage with the world are much stronger predictors of how our children will do than what we know about parenting.”
Resources and References
Ernst, J., Johnson, M., & Burcak, F. (2018). The Nature and Nurture of Resilience: Exploring the Impact of Nature Preschools on Young Children’s Protective Factors. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 6(2), 7-17.
McArdle, K., Harrison, T., & Harrison, D. (2013). Does a nurturing approach that uses an outdoor play environment build resilience in children from a challenging background? Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 13(3), 238-254.
Children and Nature Network Research Library: https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/research-digest-nature-and-resilience/
