Why Slow Living is a Must for Kids this Summer
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that summer has finally arrived?
Summer is not just a season, it is a state of mind, a timeless invitation to live fully and let our spirits soar. And as a mom juggling a busy life and chasing my dreams, I totally get how tough it can be to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. But you know what? That’s where the magic of slow living comes in, and I’m all about it.
Today, I want to talk about some amazing slow-living activities for our little ones this summer. These are the kind of activities that bring us back to the present moment, help our kids disconnect from screens, and truly engage with nature, their creativity, and the beauty of mindfulness. Trust me, these ideas are fun, easy, and guaranteed to create some precious memories with your kiddos. So, let’s dive in and embrace the wonders of slow living together!
How our kids can benefit from slow-living
According to a study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, children who engage in slow-living activities such as gardening, cooking, and nature exploration experience enhanced emotional well-being, improved self-regulation, and a deeper connection with their surroundings. Additionally, renowned child development experts, such as Dr. Peter Gray, emphasize that slowing down allows children to engage in unstructured play, which is crucial for their creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive development.
So, when we introduce mindful activities, encourage moments of peaceful silence, and create opportunities for sensory exploration, we gift our children with incredible life skills. They learn to be present, to understand themselves better, and to bounce back from life’s challenges with resilience. It’s our duty and privilege to create that space for them to slow down, to let their curiosity soar, and to savor the simple joys that life offers. And by doing this, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of embracing slow living and reaping its countless blessings.
Here are 10 summer activities that kids will enjoy that are slow-living and teach sustainability:
Plant A Garden
Teach your kids about sustainable living by planting a garden together. This can be a fun way to learn about where food comes from and how to grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Go On A Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that encourages your kids to explore the natural world around them. This can include looking for different types of plants, animals, or rocks.
Make Art With Recycles Materials
Encourage your kids to get creative by making art with recycled materials. This can include using old magazines, cardboard boxes, or plastic bottles.
Cloud Gazing
Lie down on a blanket, look up at the sky, and let your child’s imagination run wild as they identify shapes and characters in the fluffy clouds above.
Dancing With Scarves
Put on some fun music and hand your child a colorful scarf. Encourage them to dance and twirl, allowing the scarf to flow and create beautiful movements, fostering a sense of joy and freedom.
Puzzles
Engage in puzzle-solving with your child, whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle or a brain-teasing riddle. It promotes concentration, problem-solving skills, and quality bonding time.
Yoga For Kids
Introduce your child to the calming practice of yoga through child-friendly poses and gentle movements. It helps them cultivate mindfulness and body awareness.
Picnic In The Park
Pack a delicious spread of wholesome snacks and enjoy a leisurely picnic in a nearby park. Encourage your child to savor each bite and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Storytime Under A Tree
Find a shady spot under a tree and indulge in a captivating storybook together. Let your child’s imagination take flight as they immerse themselves in the magical world of storytelling.
Homemade Playdough
Engage your child in the process of making homemade playdough using simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water. Let them enjoy the tactile experience and create imaginative sculptures.
Painting Rocks
Collect smooth rocks from nature or use store-bought ones, and provide your child with non-toxic paints and brushes. Let them express their creativity by painting colorful designs or creating rock characters.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that you feel empowered and excited to try some of these activities and see the benefits for yourself and your family. Also, if you liked this post and want to receive more inspiration and tips on slow-living, please sign up for my weekly newsletter and poem. Every week, I’ll send you an email with a new blog post, a poem that I love, and some resources that I think you’ll enjoy. It’s free, easy, and fun. Just enter your name and email address below and click subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings!
