How Nature Transformed My Children's Early Years: A Personal Journey
It all started with a need. My kids were restless, and I was exhausted. Maybe you’ve been there too. Living in Connecticut, surrounded by the beauty of Allah’s creation, I decided to take my children outside for a whole day. What began as a desperate attempt to calm the chaos turned into something magical, Alhamdulillah.
My eldest, a sensory seeker, needs to touch and feel everything. My second child struggles with balance and muscle tone. Finding ways to support their development wasn’t easy. But that day, as we explored the woods, felt the texture of leaves, and splashed in puddles, I noticed a change. They were happier, healthier, and slept better.
Angela Hanscom’s book, Balanced and Barefoot, says, "Children are naturally wired to move, and when they do, they develop strong bodies and minds." This made so much sense to me. Indoor environments can be overstimulating and restrictive. But outside, my kids were free to explore and engage their senses fully.
Our days outside became our new normal. My sensory-seeking eldest found endless opportunities to satisfy his tactile needs. My second child built strength and improved his balance with every climb and jump. The natural environment was exactly what they needed.
Alhamdulillah, these experiences have been life-changing. I’ve watched my children grow stronger, more confident, and more connected to their surroundings and faith. Nature has become a cornerstone of our homeschooling journey, providing endless opportunities for learning and growth.
Our days are never perfect, but when we go out, it helps me as a mom and them too as their sensory systems get addressed. How perfect Allah has created everything, providing just what we need.
If you’re looking for ways to support your children’s development, here are some practical things you can do:
Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of natural items for your children to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or insects. This activity engages their senses and promotes observation skills.
Set Up an Outdoor Sensory Path: Use natural materials like pinecones, sand, mud, and water to create a sensory path in your backyard. Let your children walk barefoot and explore the different textures.
Build a DIY Bug Hotel: Use recycled materials to create a bug hotel in your garden. This will attract beneficial insects and give your children a close-up look at various bugs and their habitats.
Cloud Watching and Storytelling: Lie on a blanket with your children and watch the clouds. Encourage them to use their imagination and describe what they see, creating stories about the cloud shapes.
Nighttime Nature Walk: Take a walk after sunset to explore the night. Use flashlights to observe nocturnal animals, listen to the sounds of the night, and look at the stars.
Alhamdulillah, these activities have brought so much joy and learning into our lives. If you’re looking for ways to support your children’s development, embrace the outdoors. Let them explore, get dirty, and connect with the world around them. Our children deserve beautiful, engaging, and holistic experiences that cater to their unique needs. Together, we can nurture their love for learning and their faith, Inshaa Allah.
Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Just start. Your journey, like ours, will evolve. The important thing is to begin and to let nature do its wonderful work. May Allah bless our efforts and guide our children on the path of knowledge and faith.