As a native of Sweden, I grew up steeped in the concept of “friluftsliv,” a term originating in Scandinavian culture and meaning “open-air life,” where nature and outdoor activities are deeply valued. With friluftsliv deeply ingrained in the Swedish way of life, I made sure to pass on this appreciation to my children by allowing them to explore, play outside, and even nap on the back porch, regardless of the weather.
Having written books such as “The Open-Air Life” and “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather,” I have found that friluftsliv not only helps instill healthy habits in children, but it also contributes significantly to the happiness of Nordic countries. But how can parents incorporate friluftsliv into their parenting style?
Firstly, it’s important to schedule outdoor time regularly in the family calendar, just as morning and evening walks are sacred in Swedish culture, and families often enjoy dinner outside. Making it a habit to go outside, even for a short time, is crucial. If time is a constraint, try combining outdoor time with other daily activities.
Second, start with what you have in your environment. Even in urban environments, nature is all around you, and encouraging connections with nature on a daily basis is crucial for children’s development.
Third, embracing the weather, regardless of the conditions, is a key aspect of friluftsliv. In Nordic countries, there’s a saying that “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” which motivates children to spend time outside every day. Of course, extreme weather conditions should be avoided, but otherwise, dressing children appropriately allows them to enjoy rainy days, icy puddles, or the heat of summer.
Friluftsliv encourages a deeper connection with nature and the benefits of spending time outdoors, which are all essential in shaping children’s well-being. So, take a step outside and embrace the great outdoors with your little ones.
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