Kids in the Outdoors: Addressing Fears & Safety

Just this week I had a conversation with another friend about fears and worries that hold her back from exploring the outdoors with her kids– past backyards and rubber mulched playgrounds that is.

It wasn’t long before the conversation led to a reservation that I’ve heard many times before.

What about snakes?

We chatted for a while about her concerns, the chances of encountering a dangerous snake, and why nature is one case where the benefits hugely outweigh the risks.

If it’s not snakes that worry you, then maybe it’s bugs or spiders or the chance of an accident.

We all have things that make us nervous and fearful for the safety of our children. And I know it’s often easier to stick with what we know than to venture out into what we are less familiar with. No one wants to get bitten by a snake or catch a weird disease or be itchy for days from poison ivy.

But what if our fears are disproportionate to the actual danger found outdoors? 

We shouldn’t let our fears dictate our actions. We definitely shouldn’t allow our fears to keep us from one of the healthiest and most beneficial activities our children can participate in.

Snakes, Ticks, & Poision Ivy…OH MY!!!

There are indeed wild animals living in wild places. But these animals are not little woodsy boogeymen just biding their time until you set foot in their territory, waiting to attack and ruin your fun. For the most part, they just want to be left alone. And if you are out walking with children who are as noisy as mine, you will give them plenty of warning to get out of the way.

1. Snakes.

I have two little boys who are utterly fascinated by snakes. Meeting a snake would actually make a trip into the woods exponentially better for them. We talk about snakes all the time, I make them snake pillows and snake toys, and I’ve lost track of how many books we have read on snakes.

As with many other things, being intentional about everyday learning means that I am learning a lot about the subject too.

The majority of snakes pose very little threat to you or your children. Depending on the area in which you live, there may also be two to three types of venomous snakes who share your zip code.

If you are uncomfortable with snakes, just give them all plenty of room. If you or your children are interested in learning to identify snakes, you can check out this website or invest in a field guide (like this Take Along Guide or this Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians). 

But really, identifying snakes is most likely a precaution that you will not have to put into practice. 

In all our camping, hiking, and river exploring, we have only encountered a handful of snakes. And most often, it is just their tail end we spot as they hurry to get to safety.

Before you go out, teach your children these simple safety rules about snakes and then don’t stress them. (These rules also apply to most other wildlife as well):

• If you see a snake, give it space and leave it alone.
• Do not stick your hands into dark holes or openings under rocks where a snake may be living.
• Do not disturb any snake with eggs or young.
• Be observant and watch where you are walking.

2. Ticks

Ticks give me the creeps and chances are they do you too. And with the potential for spreading diseases, it is good to be cautious.

There are tick repellants you can use when you are out. Some people prefer to wear long socks with their pants tucked in.

Our preference is just enjoy our time while we are out and to be sure to do tick-checks on everyone when we return home. Look over your kids’ bodies in the bath that night for any unwelcome hitch-hikers and remove any that you see.

To remove a tick: First try to gently pull on it and see if it easily comes free. If it does not remove easily, you can use tweezers to pull the head from the skin. Another common trick is to light a wooden kitchen match, let it burn for a moment, blow it out, and then while the tip is still hot, apply the tip to the tick’s head to get it to dislodge. Afterwards, make a small note on a calendar that you removed a tick from your child.

When ticks are likely to be found in your backyard or at the park too, don’t let them keep you from the beauty and wonder of natural spaces. 

3. Poison Ivy

Learn to identify poison ivy, teach your kids the rule of three (“leaves of three, let them be”) and try to avoid it as much as possible.

If you do happen to brush against some and develop a rash, check out these natural remedies to relieve the irritation.

4. Accidents

A friend of my son’s just broke his leg at a trampoline park. I had another friend who broke both wrists running backwards in gym class. Just yesterday, my son fell (was pushed) off the bunk bed ladder and my daughter scraped her knee in the yard.

Bumps, cuts, and bruises will happen anywhere kids are. It’s a part of childhood. And as we tell our children, it’s a badge of adventure and fun.

Getting your kids regularly active in the woods, on trails, in rivers and streams actually decreases their likelihood of getting hurt. Kids learn how to safely interact with nature by experiencing it, not by avoiding it.

Kids need to experience the various surfaces and elements found in natural places to help them develop their coordination, balance, and even better eyesight. As children’s time outdoors is limited, they are becoming increasingly more accident-prone and lacking in bodily awareness.

We care about our children so much. We are just trying to protect them. However, sometimes too much protection can cause more harm than good. We are keeping them from attaining the very sensory input they need in order to grow into resilient and able-bodied people. They need to climb, jump, run through the woods, pick up sticks, jump in mud puddles, and fall and get hurt on occasion. These are all natural and necessary experiences that will help develop a healthy sensory system–foundational to learning and accomplishing many of life’s goals.(emphasis added) Source.

The benefits blow the risks out of the water. 

One thing is clear– the research shows that planning for unstructured, regular time out of doors is hugely beneficial.

Here are just some of the benefits I’ve found in reading and preparing:

• Stronger immune system
• Greater physical strength and skill
• Less stress
• Longer attention spans
• Healthier eating habits
• Greater connection with nature
• Higher school performance
• More active imaginations

Want to read more on the benefits of natural exploring and play? Check out these helpful and inspiring articles:

• 8 Science Backed Reasons for Letting Your Kids Play Outdoors
• THE UNSAFE CHILD: Less Outdoor Play is Causing More Harm than Good
• Outdoor Recreation, Health, and Wellness: Understanding and Enhancing the Relationship

Please remember that getting outdoors can be as simple as exploring the woods behind your house or going on a nature walk in town. Then, as you are all more comfortable, plan for longer day trips to go hiking, or for a picnic by a nearby river, or even plan to take your family on a short camping trip. 

More in the {Real} Magic Kingdom Series:

• One Thing Our Children Need This Summer
• Day Hiking with Kids & Recipes for the Trail
• Kids in the Outdoors: Fears & Safety
• Three Reasons to Explore Wild Water with Kids & Tips to Keep Everyone Safe and Having Fun
• Natural Remedies Round-Up
• Bringing the Outdoors Home: Ideas for Continued Learning
• Favorite Resources