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Quote of the Week
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks"
--John Muir
How Moments In Nature Help Kids Thrive
Nature is perhaps the most obvious source of awe: vibrant sunsets, crashing waves, and streets lined with cherry blossoms. The documented benefits of getting outside for kids of all ages are legion. Time in nature supports cognitive development, stress reduction, creativity, focus, mental and physical health, social skills, gross motor skills, and environmental awareness. As Dacher Keltner writes, “It is hard to imagine a single thing you can do that is better for your body and mind than finding awe outdoors.”
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that “higher levels of neighborhood green space were associated with significantly lower levels of [...] depression, anxiety, and stress,” after controlling for a wide range of factors. They concluded that “greening up” our neighborhoods could be a relatively low-cost, high-result “mental health improvement.” Similarly, a 2024 NIH study found that young children (ages two to five) who lived near dense green spaces, such as parks or forests, had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to the lead scientist, “Our research supports existing evidence that being in nature is good for kids. It also suggests that the early childhood years are a crucial time for exposure to green spaces.” Nature might not protect our kids from challenges, but perhaps the awe they experience in it can build a protective barrier, improving their mental health and helping them to navigate life a bit more easily. Read more in this week's featured article from Greater Good magazine.
Reading Corner
 Title: Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Kids Thrive
By: Deborah Farmer Kris
Ages: Adult
"A truly inspiring book for parents and caregivers, and for the kid inside us all. What if helping boost kids’ mental and emotional well-being, strengthen their social ties, and support their curiosity and internal motivation were as simple as rediscovering awe? Through research, interviews, and personal stories, Deborah Farmer Kris explores how awe and wonder can and should be a part of every childhood, and how becoming an awe-seeker can change your life and your parenting in profound and concrete ways." --Publishers
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be The Change
This week, try out any of these ten nature activities with your family. Spend time together cultivating awe in nature!
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