The latest issue of TOTLINE just reached my hands this afternoon. When I was taking a quick browse, my eyes were captured by a title - Nature and Childhood.
The writer talks about a report recently done by the Commissioner for Children and Young People regarding the views of WA Children which aged 5-18 years old about their wellbeing and the main factors they identified as important for having a full life. Among almost 1000 WA participants, 56% consider family to be the most important to their sense of wellbeing. Also, in the wellbeing research, children talked a lot about their time with families outdoor, such as at the beach, climbing trees, fishing, camping or simply playing in the backyard. Moreover, the writer mentioned her interview with the Commissioner Michelle Scott. Michelle had brought up some opinions which impressed me and I would like to share with you.
"At first glance, the wellbeing reserch findings of fun and activity and freedom and independence would seem to have the clearest link to nature and the outdoors, but underpinning these is also the importance of relationships."
"Younger children in the wellbeing research often linked freedom to getting out in the open to play in a less supervised or structured way."
"We know that for younger children, appropriately designed playgrounds can help cognitive and physical development, while unstructured play in a natural setting can build self-confidence, develop their understanding of risk and help build a respect for the natural environment."
------Michelle Scott, Nature and Childhood
I am thinking back to my chilhood and it is so true that my most favourite thing was spending time outside - discovering treasure at the beach, having picnics with my families and things like that. I used to draw a lot when I was very young and I recall my artwork were full of silly characters doing cloud-gazing, sands-playing, fishing and tree climbing, etc.. And the most important thing is, when I am thinking back now, I do have a feel a sence of happiness and wellbeing!
You may also want to think it back to feel that sence:) But after that, I suggest that we all take a moment to think what kind of childhood memories we want our beloved children have. Let's go from today out to discover what "nearby nature" is in our community:-)
That's so true Karena, most of my happy memories include the environment too- going the beach, SCUBA diving and snorkelling in the ocean, our family riding our bikes around Lake Monger every Xmas day, and just playing in the park and climbing trees.
ReplyDeleteWell setting up our Nature Group is a very positive step in making sure our littlies have heaps of memories and enjoy the great outdoors. It will hopefully give them the confidence to make the most of their experiences and become environmentally conscious adults. We are really looking forward to our next group activity in March, exploring our wonderful coastline.