Children & The Outdoors

By Sean Fagan

Under a high cliff on the eastern side of Ireland's Eye - my nephew, my brother and his partner (Photo: Sean Fagan).

Island Adventures with my 7 year old Nephew

10 Tips on making the Outdoors more enjoyable for Children

It all started when our boat docked beside a small, rocky ledge on the northern side of Ireland's Eye (an Island off the coast of County Dublin, Ireland).

As soon as our feet hit firm ground - we set off to walk the coastline of the island.

Myself, my brother and his partner and my 7 year old nephew were well up for this mini-adventure.

And what an adventure we had...

We ascended a rocky hill, safely avoided the aggressive dive-bombing attacks of territorial Great black-backed gulls, walked through chest-high bracken trails, had lunch while watching nesting gannets and cormorants on a nearby cliff and towards the end of our rambles - we watched a large, male grey seal less than 20 metres away that had hauled itself onto the rocky shore to rest.

My nephew had a great day. We all had a great day.

When properly supervised, children are well able to tackle many of the rigours of the outdoors.

They are quick learners and are able to learn, in time, their limits in nature.

Sadly, we live in a culture that increasingly desires to keep children and wild places separate - or present them with a sterile, risk-free version of wildness (often within the confines of something than resembles a glorified garden or playground).

In nature, children can find adventure and fun as well as peace and inspiration.

They seem to have an innate instinct to explore nature in all its glorious chaos.

And they can carry that love of nature into adulthood.

Hopefully, as adults they will know that no matter where we are in life, geographically or emotionally – nature will always provide an inspiring and restorative refuge. .

Of course, being well versed with dealing with the potential hazards of bringing children into wild areas is crucial.

Possessing a good, outdoor First-Aid qualification (recently refreshed) along with good CPR training is a great positive and to be honest - it should be a basic requirement for anybody venturing into wild places (especially with a child).

As a child I had the good fortune of living close to nature. Those early years of nature-contact were a hugely positive influence on myself as a person.

Even as an adult, I can't fathom a life without significant contact with nature - and that enduring, positive bond with nature was borne from years of contact with nature as a child.

I find it sad and wasteful of so much potential to see the increasing, cultural trend of nature-deprived children.

Maybe the expression - 'nature-deprived' in the previous sentence is a little strong?

I don't think so.

To my mind that's a lost opportunity in providing children with an environment they will, if given the chance, thrive in.

The whole thrust behind this short post is simple - don't be shy about bringing children into nature.

Give them plenty of opportunity to flourish and grow in nature.

10 Tips on making the Outdoors more enjoyable for Children:

Children are energetic with high metabolisms, and are prone to low blood sugar levels - make sure to bring plenty of food including sweets & fruit for snacks.
Dress children in clothing and footwear that is appropriate for conditions underfoot and to the weather (for example - a sun hat, long-sleeved top and long pants is a basic requirement for children during sunny weather as they are prone to sunburn and heat-stress).
Provide children with small field binoculars and/or camera - it's no fun being with adults that are enjoying themselves watching wildlife with binoculars or taking photographs - while a child stands idly by. Older children can be surprisingly responsible with fragile items like binoculars and cameras - as long as they are thought how to look after them. Giving a responsible child a loan of a camera or supervising them to take photos that catch their interest is, I've found, a great way of enabling children to creatively engage with nature. This is especially true of shy or artistic children.
Children have far less walking endurance than adults - so plan for shorter walking routes with plenty of water/snack breaks.
Always carry a First-Aid kit that is appropriate for adults AND children and know how to use all items in your first-aid kit.
Often, some children are inexpressive as regards environmental discomfort - for example, they might get quite chilled before expressing that they are cold. Same applies to high temperatures and fatigue. Bottom line - be very observant of children when outdoors and periodically ask basic questions about how they are doing/feeling? Build up a rapport and a steady line of communication.
Don't be reluctant about altering your outdoor itinerary to follow a child's curiosity. If you are with a child and he or she develops an interest in say, paddling in a shallow stream - go with it (within reason of course). Such an diversion could prove fortuitous - such as providing an opportunity to teach a child about where fish are in the stream, how to observe fish (if present) etc. Lighting a fire on the bank of the stream to boil up some water for a drink is always a popular activity with children and teaches them about water purification and fire-skills - both important outdoor skills. Be creative, learn how to teach children about the outdoors based on what they are interested in.
It's nearly always a good idea to bring spare clothing (including spare socks and footwear) for a child - you don't have to haul these items around in your backpack all day - you can leave them in your parked vehicle for example - so that when you come back after a days hike - your child has something comfortable to change into - as children often get wet and muddy when outdoors. Still, carrying some spare clothes in your backpack can go a long way in keeping a child relatively comfortable if, for example, the weather turns sour. For older children - let them bring their own backpack with spare clothes, water & food etc. - this will teach a child to be responsible for their own well being when outdoors - an invaluable lesson.
Watch out for unseen risks like ticks. Protective clothing and applying tick repellent are good tick-prevention measures for children - but periodic skin checks for ticks are still required. Not all of nature is pleasant - but I strongly believe exposing children, within reason and over time, to some of the risks of the outdoors is highly educational. It's good that a child becomes more aware of ticks, develops a realistic tolerance for ticks, know how to deal with them and most importantly does not let the more unpleasant aspects of the outdoors deter them from enjoying the far greater pleasures of nature.
Finally, be realistic - some children revel in being outdoors, some need more time and exposure to nature on a smaller scale to get accustomed to nature. Let them decide on what they like. What's important is to consistently whet their appetite for nature and to have fun. Fun is the essential catalyst!