I did somethings right when bringing up my kids; now there has been a study about children in nature, in this case in daycare, but I did all by myself as it was so much easier to be outside with the kids than hear them argue and play inside in smaller spaces. I can without lying say I spent about 4-6 hours a day with them in nature and parks, where they could run free, climb trees, and explore the beauty around them. I have to admit it was not so much fun in the winter and late fall. We would often go on little adventures, discovering different plants and insects, which sparked their curiosity and imagination. The joy in their eyes as they splashed in puddles or built mud castles was priceless and created lasting memories for both of us. I was never a stickler to hygiene; instead, I believed that getting a little dirty was part of the fun and an important aspect of growing up. Embracing the elements allowed them to connect with the environment, learn about the world firsthand, and develop a love for the outdoors that I hope will stay with them throughout their lives.
I wanted to share this as I believed in this even without a study 😀 If you have small kids I hope you find the information in the article useful.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
The kids, yes, but not so much. The grandkids, all the time. Wonderful photos, Ritva.
My grandkids are the same outside all the time,
Great stuff, It’s a maxim that’s hard to follow though if you live in a big city as one set of grandchildren does. Their parents are brillaiat at making the outdoors happen as much as possible, but it’s probably – inevitably – a slightly sanitised version of what you did.
I lived in suburbs with nature at our footsteps and we spent lots of time in the countryside at our summer home. So big cities are a bit different for sure…
How wonderful that your kids were outside, playing, enjoying, and exploring nature so much. Kudos Ritva. 🙂
It was the easiest thing for me, three boys and all the energy they had 😂
Wonderful to see kids out there and have fun!
These kids are in their thirties now 😀
Adorable. Love the one in the yellow snowsuit.
Marie, his first time encountering snow 😀
Living in the bush, my kids had lots of space outside to run around play in the mud and experience nature. So cute, crying in the snow. Love that photo.
You did so well at giving them all that experience. I was not fussed about hygiene either
He was so upset, it was his first experience of snow. we had just moved back from San Diego
That would have been a shock. Having to wear so much clothing as well as the cold. Poor lad
He got over it…
What a beautiful and endearing post, Ritva! You did raise your kids the right away. What a joy!
Thanks, it was a hassle raising three boys 😂
HAHA I could only imagine 😉
Beautiful, so beautiful. Thank you, have a nice day and weekend, Love, nia
Thanks, it was nice to post memories of my life when I was in my thirties 😀
Ah, yes.. You are wellcome dear Ritva, Love, nia
LOL it goes by so fast eh… even faster with little ones!!!
Very beautiful! And, SO very true! Our kids spent a lot of time outside too in their childhood, so grateful for that!