The Place of Nature in the Lives of Children Aged 3 to 7

The Place of Nature in the Lives of Children Aged 3 to 7

Caroline Guy, Le Rêve de Gaïa Academy

We are children of nature. If we agree on this simple truth, then we can only recognize how essential it is to not become disconnected from it. This relationship, this bond, begins in early childhood. A child needs to feel, in their body and in their whole being, that they are truly part of nature. For this to happen, they need regular, natural contact with it. In this way, the child grows up with a sense of grounding on Earth, inner security, and strong foundations for becoming a balanced adult.

Young children learn through imitation. To awaken their own vital forces, they must be in contact with the living world. They shape themselves according to what surrounds them, which is why exposing them too early to video screens can be so harmful. Meeting nature is, in fact, meeting oneself. As adults, our role is to be present, to accompany and reassure, but without talking too much or constantly intervening. Children need to have their own experiences and to play freely. By observing them, we learn a great deal about who they are and what truly nourishes them.

At this age, children have a profound need for movement. Let  them run, climb, roam, and explore without panicking or warning them at every step. A four year old is perfectly capable of climbing a tree at a reasonable height and using a knife, once they have been shown how and the basic rules are respected. Measured risk allows children to experience real adventures, which builds self confidence and a healthy self image.

It is important to remember that children learn through direct experience, through their senses and their bodies. Intellectual knowledge is not appropriate at this stage. It asks children to draw on resources they have not yet developed. This is precisely why nature is the ideal environment. It offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning, at the child’s own pace and according to their interests. When outside, offer only a few or no toys. A simple stick can become a lightsaber, a magic wand, a walking stick, or a spoon for brewing a potion. This greatly nourishes imagination and creativity. And if we also speak to them about the invisible realms of nature, fairies, gnomes, elves, salamanders, we deeply feed their inner world.

Young children are true sponges. They absorb everything, our enthusiasm as much as our fears. So it is worth asking ourselves what nature represents for us, and whether we feel gratitude for all that it gives. Children first feel what we feel before listening to what we say. Let us therefore, offer activities we feel comfortable with, and trust ourselves.

The benefits of contact with nature are many. A stronger immune system, greater self confidence and trust in others, reduced depression, increased creativity, and the disappearance or significant reduction of hyperactivity, among others.

Finally, positive, healthy, adventure filled experiences in nature leave a lasting imprint on a child’s heart. Nature will naturally become part of their life choices. So why wait? Let’s get children outside!

Yes, but sometimes we do not know where to start. That is why, within Le Rêve de Gaïa Academy, we have created educational packs designed to support anyone who wishes to take children into nature.

Caroline Guy
Educational creator of “Little Forest Elves” at the Dream of Gaia Academy

Your Tax Free Donations Are Appreciated and Help Fund our Volunteer Website

Disclaimer: We at Prepare for Change (PFC) bring you information that is not offered by the mainstream news, and therefore may seem controversial. The opinions, views, statements, and/or information we present are not necessarily promoted, endorsed, espoused, or agreed to by Prepare for Change, its leadership Council, members, those who work with PFC, or those who read its content. However, they are hopefully provocative. Please use discernment! Use logical thinking, your own intuition and your own connection with Source, Spirit and Natural Laws to help you determine what is true and what is not. By sharing information and seeding dialogue, it is our goal to raise consciousness and awareness of higher truths to free us from enslavement of the matrix in this material realm.