Why this experiment?
Pass on my experience as a kid in nature
This is not only a way to share my love for nature with them, but also to pass on the experience I cherished as a child. Every Sunday, my family would wander into the woods, no matter the weather or the season. We breathed in the earthy scent of the French forest, picked mushrooms, splashed through puddles, and followed the delicate tracks of deer in the mud. We laughed, shared quiet moments, and simply enjoyed being together. These walks gave me space to hear my grandfather’s stories, and feel deeply connected. These memories are unembellished, just as they live in my mind…
Connect. Wonder. Protect.
But it’s also about opening my children’s eyes to this marvelous world we often overlook in our busy, urban lives. Today, many children are growing up disconnected from nature, surrounded by tons of toys and screens. Yet, as the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau wisely said: “We protect what we love, and we love what amazes us.” Wonder is the foundation of environmental care.
Slow down
And wonder grows best in stillness. In a society that constantly rushes, nature offers children the chance to slow down — to listen, to breathe, to take the time they truly need. It gives them a gentler rhythm and the freedom to grow at their own pace. Every leaf, stone, and stream invites them to move, climb, explore, learn with their senses, nurture their curiosity and dream.
What does our experiment look like, and how is it going?
Our family journey
I am a Mom of two young children, ages 4 and 7, living in a beautiful town in the Netherlands. Like many Dutch families, we often go to playgrounds after school and on weekends. And while my children gain energy and fresh air, I noticed they are not truly relaxed.
So, I decided to start weekly forest walks — rain or shine. After ten years in the Netherlands, we know the saying “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” is absolutely true. So, well equipped, we cycle to the forest every Friday. This has been such a wonderful experience.
The true power & magic of nature
This new ritual has changed them in remarkable ways: they are calmer, less anxious, in better moods, and even less tired. A small illustration of this: my daughter happily creates her own little songs while we walk in the forest, letting her observations guide the lyrics! Scientists already highlight the benefits of nature for children, but living it firsthand was truly powerful. I’ve seen how time outdoors helps my children bloom, full of curiosity and calm, feeling rooted in the world around them.
A gentle & curious guide...
I’ve also realized that children need a gentle guide — someone curious alongside them — to nurture their natural desire to learn. They love hearing stories, like how the huge mushroom spreads its mycelium under their feet, or how a tree prepares for winter by closing off the flow of sap to its leaves, letting them dry and fall. These stories are all true, yet they transform learning into wonder. Each time, we play or make crafts inspired by these stories, bringing them even more to life. They are completely enchanted, now asking every week to return to the forest.
Your turn?
Don’t be afraid. Start gently, setting a goal that feels achievable. Even one walk in nature each month is a wonderful beginning. The first time, your child may not fully embrace it — and that’s okay. Step by step, these small moments will take root, nurturing joy, balance, and a lifelong love of learning and nature. Keep your nature outings flowing, week after week, for around 10 weeks - the time is takes for a new habit to quietly take root and become part of your family's rhythm. To help it blossom, choose a dedicated moment for your adventures: perhaps every Sunday afternoon, when time slows down and the forest calls you back.
My hope is to inspire you to slow down and step outside — even for just a few hours each month — to explore nature together. You’ll be amazed at how much your children learn simply by observing, touching, and moving freely outdoors. For inspiration, you can watch my videos on Instagram @lil.discoveries.
Imagine the benefits for your child… and for yourself, as your days soften and your mind rests. Nature is free, waiting to be discovered — just make the time.💛
