Page 23 - NatureStart Network

CHAPTER 4

Family Nature Play

“As America’s families have shifted in configuration over the last several
decades and become increasingly less likely to be nuclear, many proclaim that
family is in crisis. But what we’re experiencing is not a decline or crisis, but a
reimagining. Over the last 50 years there has been an explosion in the diversity
of family structures in America. In today’s America, there is no one family
arrangement that the majority of children live in. Fewer people are getting
married and more children are born to parents who aren’t married. Taking the
long view of history, these changes are part of the continuing evolution of
America’s families.” –NICOLE RODGERS AND MIA BIRDSONG, THE FAMILY STORY PROJECT

“I learned so much about how to not only engage the and caregivers experience nature as a place of serenity
children but also the parents in nature activities. I learned and enjoyment. Some may feel uncomfortable in the
how to implement nature throughout the center as well as heat or cold and may not want to get wet or dirty. Some
how to plan for nature activities.” may be afraid of certain plants and animals they perceive
as dangerous. Some may be concerned about the safety
–NatureStart program participant of their neighborhoods. The key to encouraging family
play and learning time in nature is to focus on the
Essential to connecting children with nature is making individual—meet them where they are and take small
it relevant, comfortable, accessible, and safe for their steps. We may not be ready to play with worms in the
families. As childhood becomes increasingly urbanized forest on the first day! Making participants feel capable,
and play becomes more structured (soccer leagues, confident, safe, and smart is the best way to ensure a
baseball practice), childhood nature experiences may positive experience in nature.
require more planning and facilitation on the part
of educators, caregivers, and adult family members.
Educators must be able to support the learning and
development of families, as well as children.
Adults with strong relationships with nature
attribute their commitment to the environment to
time spent exploring nature in wild or semi-wild places
(which can include urban experiences of nature) and an
adult who shared their passion and enthusiasm, most
often a family member. This is one of the underlying
foundations of family nature play programming
supported by NatureStart programs and the NatureStart
Network. We see families as our allies and partners to
connect children with the natural world.
It is important to recognize that not all educators

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