Helpful Hints for adults taking kids outside

Do more and talk less. 

Dirt is good for kids. Soap and water are adequate clean up measures.

Nature is amazing and children are naturally curious. Allow them the experience.  Don’t pass your fears to your kids. 

Relax and let the kids decide what they want to do.  "Let's look for something interesting" is a good way to start. Follow the kids' interest, not your own agenda.  With small children, you'll take a very short walk for a long time.  They are close to the ground and will see more than you.  

Your choice of words can make a big difference. Instead of “Be careful,” which expresses your fears, tell the kids to “Be smart!”  “Be aware.”  “Look where you are going.”  “IF you fall, get up!"

Cuts, bumps, and bruises are a normal part of childhood. If a child has an accident, don’t panic.  Children read you!  When the child is calm, ask, “What did you learn?”  They will tell you.  Expect children to learn from these mistakes.  You did!  It's empowering. Assure a child that it won't hurt forever.  

Encourage trial and error.  Give a child a chance to meet challenges and assess risk.  This is how kids develop self-confidence.  Encouragement acknowledges the difficulty and expresses confidence in the child's ability to master the task.

Let them figure things out for themselves.  Problem-solving is good for kids.

Kids that experience non-structured play in natural settings are smarter, happier, and healthier.