Raising Strong Daughters: 7 Benefits of Nature Play for Girls

I have strong willed daughters that would rather play outdoors than inside. I am proud of my spunky girls and believe there are many benefits of nature play for girls!

“She’s a wild one, with an angel’s face. She’s a woman-child in a state of grace………”

I sing this old Faith Hill song regularly to my free-spirited, mini-me daughter. She’s seven years old. She’s tough and smart and capable and stubborn. When I go to look for her, she’s often not to be found. If you have a nature play loving, free spirited girl too, you know the blessing and the challenge!

In this article, I want to share my experiences in raising “a wild one.” I hope you find solidarity, encouragement and ideas to keep your own wild girl engaged in healthy and fun nature play.

My First Daughter

I have two daughters, ages seven and four. They are our 5th and 6th children.

When my first daughter was born, I thought she would be easier than her four older brothers. More gentle. More compliant.

Don’t get me wrong….she is very good. She is sweet, responsible and considerate. But she can often be found in a fancy dress, running through the woods barefoot, collecting nature items like moss and animal bones, towing along her little sister and brother.

I am so proud of her.

Nature Play for Girls

We limit screens in our home. As a result, all seven of my children prefer to spend their time at work and in play, especially outdoor nature play.

I believe that the importance of encouraging children to spend time outdoors cannot be overstated. Girls can be overlooked in this equation, but outdoor play is very important to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of girls.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of nature play and exploration for girls.

My girl and her goat, Pepper.

The Benefits of Nature Play for Girls

Here are just a few of the reasons that you should get your girls outside. My girls are energetic and strong willed. But even if you have a quieter daughter, there are important benefits to getting her outside.

Physical Health and Development

Nature play is a natural avenue for physical activity. It promotes the development of fine and gross motor skills. Activities like climbing, running, and biking enhance coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness.

I watch my girls balance on top of fence posts, swing high, dig in the dirt, climb through brambles. I watch them hike steep hills and sled down as fast as they can go. I am watching them learn how to navigate the physical world with their bodies.

It is important to give kids opportunities to use their whole bodies in a natural setting. It helps them feel control of their growing selves, even as they run and yell and explore.

We also know that spending time outdoors helps prevent sickness. Fresh air, vitamin D, strong muscles and bones, will keep your child healthy, physically and mentally.

Boosting Mental Well-Being

Nature has a profound impact on mental health. Time spent outdoors has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

The tranquility of natural settings provides a much-needed escape, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

I know my children will experience stress and sadness in their lives. It is my job as their parent to equip them with ways to find their center, their joy and peace.

In our home, we always turn to Jesus and the Church for the ultimate source of peace and joy. Our Lord is the Creator of all, and his glory can always be found in the wonderful outdoors.

When your daughter is stressed or sad, excited or having a hard time focusing- send them outside. Encourage them to pray and work and find their balance before coming back indoors.

You might have to wait awhile but be patient with your girl. This skill is more important than any other.

We had just processed a large batch of meat chickens. My kids thought the feet were great fun!

Cultivating Creativity

The great outdoors serves as a canvas for imaginative play. Building forts, creating nature-inspired art, and exploring uncharted territories stimulate creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking.

I love to overhear the imaginative play that happens outdoors. The fresh air and open space seem to ignite their passions and creativity.

My girls also love to do nature related crafts like leaf rubbing, rock painting and nature drawing. There are so many ideas for art and creativity in the natural world. We have really enjoyed books like this one.

Developing a Connection to Nature

Outdoor exploration fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world, instilling environmental stewardship and nurturing empathy and respect for all living things.

My daughter has had a slow academic start. But she can take care of animals, explain the difference between a plant, moss and lichen. She can find her cardinal directions and plant a garden. She can identify many insects, birds and plants. She understands her role as a helper to these natural things.

Keeping a nature journal can foster an education about all things outside. This September post is all about how our family uses a nature journal.

Nature Journalling in September

Beautiful, nature loving daughter!

Building Confidence and Independence

Engaging in outdoor activities encourages girls to take risks, fostering the development of confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Let them climb and jump and swing high. Let them swim and dive and roam freely.

We cannot teach our girls to fear the world. We have to give them the skills and experiences to participate fully in this great work of creation.

Strengthening Social Skills

Group play in outdoor settings provides opportunities for girls to interact, cooperate, and communicate with their peers, nurturing essential social skills for future relationships.

We have a small farm, and my daughter will start each playdate with a farm tour and nature walk. It breaks the ice and gets girls talking and laughing as they encounter the outdoor world.

They seldom make it back to the house for indoor play. The girls often get caught up in a new game or imaginative play. It makes me very happy to see a group of girls running and playing together in the great outdoors, in all types of weather.

Healthy Sleep Patterns

Exposure to natural light during outdoor activities helps regulate the body’s internal clock, promoting healthier sleep patterns and contributing to overall well-being and cognitive development.

Rest is important for growth and health. It is also hard to “be good” without proper rest. Get enough physical activity and outdoor time each day that your daughter sleeps soundly.

If you are looking for some new ways to get your girls playing in nature, consider these great books on nature play. These all promote creativity, exploration and independence.

You can also read my other posts on Nature Play and Activities.

Benefits of Nature Play: Raising Happy and Healthy Kids

Creating Your September Nature Journal: Ideas and Resources

10 September Nature Activities: Unique Ideas for Families

October Family Activities: 10 Unique Nature Experiences

I hope this post has given you some encouragement to get your daughters outside! You might have a “wild one” like I do, so let her run and play and learn in the healthiest of environments: God’s Wonderful Creation.

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