
In their new book, Digging into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Happier and Healthier Kids, out October 15, 2024, pediatricians and nature experts Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon and Dr. Danette Swanson Glassy make the convincing case that children and families will be happier, healthier, and more resilient when they spend time in nature.
During a webinar on November 13, 2024, Dr. Tandon and Dr. Glassy offered a wealth of suggestions for nature-based activities and suggestions for overcoming common challenges busy families face when trying to increase their outdoor time. The authors addressed the importance of nature for children’s health at every age from infancy through adolescence and linked their suggested activities to key developmental milestones.
Watch the webinar recording to learn practical tips for parents and educators, with tips for including children with special health care needs, chronic health conditions, and cultural considerations to help all children reap the gifts that the great outdoors offer.
Resources on Risky and Unstructured Play
- Canadian Paediatric Society position statement on risky play
- Balanced and Barefoort: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Finochio
Resources on Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Engagement
- 6 Actions School Systems Can Take to Support Children’s Outdoor Learning
- Outside Play - Free Toolkit on How to Support Children’s Outdoor Play
- Colour the Trails
Resources on Gear Libraries