Kids Belong in Nature: How Outdoor Play Shapes Development
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What if the best thing you could do for your child’s development didn’t require a fancy enrichment program or endless structured activities—but instead, a patch of grass, a mud kitchen, and some thrifted wooden spoons?
In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I sat down with Kelsey Scholer, a nature-based early childhood educator and the voice behind @AmongtheFairies. Kelsey is just a few credits shy of completing her master’s in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education, and she’s spent years working in a nature preschool where learning happens outside—in all weather, with all the wonder nature has to offer.
We talked about everything from the benefits of mixed-age play and emotional regulation to how just five minutes outside can totally shift your child’s mood—and your own.
Here are the highlights and takeaways from our conversation:
Nature-Based Learning Isn’t New—But It’s More Important Than Ever
Kelsey’s journey started in high school after reading Last Child in the Woods (yes, in high school—impressive, right?). That book sparked a lifelong passion for reconnecting childhood with the natural world. Today, she works in a nature preschool that spends 90% of its time outdoors and designs lessons around the rhythms of the seasons.
At the heart of it all is one big belief: “Kids belong in nature.” Not just on weekends. Not just in summer. But in their everyday learning and growing.
Why Nature Regulates and Restores
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation was Kelsey explaining how nature naturally regulates a child’s nervous system. From the wind on their cheeks to the sound of birds overhead, these sensory experiences aren’t “extras”—they’re what kids need.
In fact, she shared a story of a child who was having a tough time separating from her parent… until a bird landed on a nearby branch. That moment of wonder redirected her attention and soothed her in a way no words could.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear—Just Curiosity (and a Thrift Store)
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest-perfect mud kitchens, Kelsey’s advice is like a deep exhale. Most of the tools in her classroom? Thrifted.
Buckets, tongs, spoons, cutting boards, random wooden odds and ends—they all become tools for sensory play and imagination. She also recommends keeping an eye out for coffee table nature books at secondhand stores—kids love flipping through them and connecting what they see in the pages with what they find outdoors.
Bring Back the Neighborhood Free Play
One of Kelsey’s biggest passions right now? Reviving community-based outdoor play. She shares how neighborhood connections—those pizza nights, driveway card tables, and block parties—build mixed-age play, social-emotional skills, and trust.
Her challenge to listeners: Knock on your neighbor’s door this week. Say hello. Start the relationship. That’s where it all begins.
Make Outdoor Time Feel Easy
For parents who feel overwhelmed, Kelsey offers gentle, actionable reminders:
• Start with 15 minutes. (Set a timer — this one is my favorite. It counts.)
• Go outside every day—in all seasons (Layer well + keep expectations low!)
• Try “sit spots” or bird watching.
• Remember: nature isn’t another thing to do—it’s a way to be.
Final Takeaway
If you’ve been feeling disconnected or unsure where to start, let this be your reminder that the simplest moments often have the biggest impact. Outdoor time doesn’t need to be perfectly curated or Insta-worthy. It just needs to be yours.
Let your kids get messy. Let yourself get quiet.
And don’t forget to grab Kelsey’s Outdoorsy Challenege this week: “Knock on your neighbor’s door. Start there.”
Connect with Kelsey
• Instagram: @amongthefairies
• Website: amongthefairies.com
• Book a 1:1 parent consultation: More info here
Where to Find Me:
Shop my activity guides and free downloads
Want the full episode? 🎧 Listen to Episode 4: “Kids Belong in Nature: How Outdoor Play Shapes Development with Kelsey Scholer”
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In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by nature-based early childhood educator Kelsey Scholer of @amongthefairies on Instagram to talk about what happens when we let kids do what they were made to do—play outside. Kelsey shares her insight from working in a nature preschool, raising baby animals (aka children), and helping families reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
We chat about emotional regulation, the power of mixed-age play, and how something as simple as bird watching or meeting a neighbor can totally shift the way our kids experience childhood. If you’ve ever wondered what “nature-based learning” actually looks like or how to foster curiosity without overcomplicating things—this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen if you’ve been wondering…
• What exactly is nature-based education?
• How can I get my kid outside more—especially if they’re hesitant?
• Where do I start with neighborhood free play?
Connect with Kelsey Scholer:
Instagram → @amongthefairies
Website → amongthefairies.com
1:1 Consulting for parents → Available via her site
Where to Find Me:
