What We Can Teach Our Children Using the Natural World Around Us

There is so much we can teach our children just by looking at the world around us. Here are some ideas to get you started.

I grew up on acreage with trees to climb, animals to tend, and space to roam. When I think about the stressful times of my life, such as my father dying, putting myself through college, or facing cancer, I recognize that I’ve always run to nature (often literally) to help process the stress. In fact, I still run to nature to process, and my hope is that my children will as well. 

Nature as a Teacher

The more time you spend in nature, the more you can learn from it. I believe the connection we have established by consistently being outdoors has given us a broader and more whole educational, mental, emotional, and spiritual experience in our homes. 

Humility and Service

One day, on one of our family hikes with our young kids, we identified all the purposes of a tree we could think of. A tree provides homes for animals, food for both humans and animals, shade for the weary, lumber, paper, fresh air, and so on. While we considered what a tree had to offer us, we also examined the idea of sacrifice. Certain trees become cradles for infants, others become wagons, some are turned into rakes and shovels, and many are used for large, important buildings. What a great lesson in humility and sacrifice!

Our hikes are much different now that the children are older. We talk about being used by God and what our purpose may look like—­but whatever it is, we are to be willing and humble in heart. 

Peace and Patience

Everett, my second child, has a strong and passionate connection with nature. I have watched him sit very still on the peak of a cliff and just observe, taking it all in for long periods of time. Often I will ask him his thoughts after such a time, and he will tell me that’s when he feels the most calm and close to God. What a gift to find that peace so early in his life. I am confident that by continuing to let the outdoors be his place of serenity, he will be able to use nature as an escape when his life gets more complicated as a young adult rather than turning to unhealthy forms of escape.

Work Ethic and Prudence

Have you ever had the opportunity to observe a bird making a nest? Or beavers building a dam? What an admirable work ethic animals naturally have! God has created them to be able to take care of themselves, with innate abilities to find food and shelter, to reproduce, and to handle many of nature’s elements.

The children and I have a lot of fascinating discussions about how we are technically mammals just like some of their favorite wildlife, and we should be able to survive without outside influence. Of course, it’s a long shot this day and age, but I do believe there is a reason we are so drawn to tales of the primitive days of the pioneers: we are inspired by their motivation to survive, their incredible work ethic, and their commendable prudence.

Giving my children enough time in nature has allowed them to connect with how God created and equipped us to survive and thrive. We may never have the opportunity to be self-sustaining or live off woodland seeds and wildflowers, but we certainly can learn about survival and encourage our children to observe wildlife habits while gleaning from their natural and God-given work ethic and prudence.

Awakening and nurturing a child’s innate desire to take part in nature and learning from nature itself has been a large part of our family culture and how we personally connect as a family. There are many lessons to be learned by observing, and what a delight to be able to apply them to our lives!

Reflection:

• How have you learned from nature recently? Make a plan to more regularly enjoy God’s creation if that’s not a habit for you yet.
• What activities can you do with your children to get them outside and learning from nature?

To learn more about equipping yourself and your children to thrive holistically, check out The Whole and Healthy Family by Jodi Mockabee. We love this book because it takes a whole-person approach to wellness and considers each member of your family. Inside, you’ll learn about staying active, prioritizing spiritual growth, and understanding the personality type of each of your children.

Jodi Mockabee is a photographer, writer, blogger, speaker, social media influencer, and homeschooling mother of five living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. With a passion for health, wellness, parenting, and more, Jodi blogs her family’s journey and shares tips for a healthy and active lifestyle. She also writes curriculum for creative and artistic learning in a homeschool environment. Find her at JodiMockabee.com.