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Making parents and carers feel welcome and appreciated is key to increasing their involvement in their children’s all round development. If children are to obtain maximum benefit from their experiences outdoors it is essential that parents understand its value too.
We advocate using a participative approach to outdoors; this actively involves parents and users of the space in decision making, helping with practical projects and longer term maintenance and evaluation. Outdoors belongs to everyone and is to be shared with nature.
Parents may attend and be involved in meetings concerning changes to the outdoors. They will be able to find out from you, their children and hopefully by themselves about what is happening outdoors. Information can be in the form of messages, newsletters, notices, displays and in conversation. They may be interested enough to become part of the management group set up for an outdoor improvement project.
Successful projects entail many different skills, not just gardening; carpenters, artists, fundraisers, designers and letter writers may all be needed too. Working together for the good of the outdoor area will ensure a garden is greater than any individual part; it will echo and reflect its community.
Adults play a vital role in supporting and encouraging children in their play. Research has shown that boys and fathers in particular prefer being outdoors and fathers are less likely to be involved in their child’s educational setting. The outdoors offers a valuable way to involve fathers in a way they can feel comfortable, helping them to enrich their children’s lives by playing an active role.
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