Date of the last update: 19.09.2024
Children are exposed to the intense stimuli of the digital environment as never before. Therefore, paying special attention to their development is becoming a priority. In this context, instead of a wealth of digital stimuli, children deserve something found in their natural surroundings – forest therapy. Introducing them to the world of forest bathing becomes not only a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also the foundation for healthy development and the shaping of the senses. As a perfect environment for exploration, the forest becomes a place where children can develop in harmony with nature.
Table of contents:
- What is forest bathing about?
- 5 ways to take a forest bath with your child
- What do forest baths offer children?
- Summary
You can read this article in 4 minutes.
What is forest bathing about?
Forest bathing is not just about spending time together with your child. Above all, it is a creative form of play that combines the pleasure of discovering nature with the development of the toddler’s imagination and cognitive abilities. It is also an excellent way to build family ties and have an adventure together in the natural world, away from screens and the hustle and bustle of city life.
5 ways to take a forest bath with your child
1. Play in nature
Instead of typical toys, try introducing nature-related items. Wooden blocks, bird-watching kits, magnifying glasses or binoculars will allow your child to explore the world around them.
2. Explore nature trails
Go with your child to specially marked nature trails. This is a great way for your little one to safely discover the secrets of the forest while learning about the diversity of flora and fauna.
3. Creative outdoor activities
Organise creative outdoor activities. Drawing, painting or clay-painting in a forest setting allows your child to express themselves artistically while breathing in the fresh air.
4 Developing the Senses
Forest therapy also means developing the senses. The smell of the forest, the sounds of the birds, the softness of the moss, all shape the child’s sensitivity to the world around them.
5 Treasure hunt
Organise a treasure hunt game. Small adventures in the forest, looking for stones, colourful leaves or hidden animals, teach children curiosity and sensitivity to detail.
What do forest baths offer children?
Forest bathing brings a number of benefits to children, both for their physical and emotional health.
Firstly, exposure to nature and fresh air promotes overall physical fitness by stimulating the immune system. Regular exposure to the woods can also help to improve heart health, as well as helping to maintain a healthy body weight through outdoor physical activity.
Secondly, forest bathing has a beneficial effect on children’s mental health. They help to reduce stress and tension, which is important especially when faced with intense stimuli from the surrounding world. The forest environment promotes relaxation and tranquillity, which can support emotional balance and the development of coping skills.
In addition, forest bathing can develop a child’s senses. The richness of sounds, smells and textures of the forest environment stimulates sensory perception, which is important for the development of the senses and the ability to perceive the surrounding world.
Finally, forest therapy supports children’s creativity and imagination development. Nature is full of inspiration and forest adventures can develop creative thinking and the ability to discover new things. In this way, children learn to value and respect nature, which has long-term benefits for both them and the environment.
Check out also: Benefits of forest bathing
Summary
Forest baths are a unique form of therapy for children, combining physical and mental health benefits. They have a beneficial effect on the immune system, supporting overall physical fitness through outdoor activity. At the same time, forest baths have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and tension associated with busy lifestyles. Contact with nature enriches the child’s senses, developing sensory perception. In addition, forest adventures stimulate creativity and imagination, teaching children to appreciate the beauty of nature and developing in them a respect for the environment. Therefore, introducing forest therapy into a child’s life can be an important part of all-round development, providing balance and harmony.
