#27 Children and Nature – Are We Becoming Disconnected?
Welcome back to Eyes On Us! In Episode 27, Emma and Sophie explore children’s connection with nature, what gets in the way in today’s world, and how we can make space for natural experiences every day.
Connecting with nature doesn’t have to mean forest schools, elaborate outdoor spaces or special trips. It starts with helping children notice, explore and enjoy the natural world on their doorstep.
What is getting in the way?
Screen time, busy schedules, safety concerns and limited outdoor space can all reduce children’s opportunities to experience nature. Emma and Sophie reflect on how childhood has changed and why being outside doesn’t always need a planned activity or a specific purpose.
Why nature matters
Natural spaces give children room to move, engage their senses and follow their curiosity. From climbing and balancing to exploring leaves, stones and sticks, these experiences offer opportunities for physical development, emotional wellbeing, creativity and problem solving.
Is our current practice allowing children to connect?
If every outdoor experience is directed by an adult, how much room is left for children’s own discoveries? Emma and Sophie discuss balancing planned activities with time for spontaneous play, where children can explore at their own pace and decide what interests them.
Connecting with nature in the UAE
Heat and limited green space bring challenges, but the UAE has its own natural environments to explore. Rather than trying to recreate a UK garden or forest, we can help children connect with the desert, native plants, birds and the natural materials around them.
Simple ways to bring nature into everyday life
The episode shares practical ideas, including bringing the desert indoors through sand exploration, offering natural loose parts, taking open-ended nature walks, exploring light and shadow, and growing small gardens. A daily nature moment can be as simple as noticing what children can see or hear, or what has changed since yesterday.
Connecting with nature doesn’t need to be expensive or overplanned. It means valuing everyday experiences and giving children the time and space to notice, explore and be curious.
