Get “Connected” with Nature

Lately, I’ve come to realise that it’s not just my responsibility to get my children (and my school children) away from screens. It’s also my duty to get them into nature. Not just outdoors, but truly into nature. Into open fields among the wildflowers or beneath the tall trees we’re still lucky to have, even here in the heart of Pretoria.

It’s about connecting with dusty roads, listening to the birds, and trying to spot that one tree that stands out today.

This year, we started an Eco-Club at school, and honestly, it’s been one of the best initiatives POPS has taught me so far. I’ve always known the benefits of nature, but have I really felt them? Have I seen the connection happen? Not fully. Not until I had the courage to take my own children along on our hikes.

We only do about 5 kilometres, but for a 4-year-old, that’s quite a challenge.

This isn’t an activity I recommend for fitness (not this time). It’s not about speed or steps for Discovery points. It’s about connection. Not in a strange, spiritual way, just in the most human way. Walking. Breathing. Enjoying the view. Noticing the patterns in a tree bark. Hearing the leaves rustle as a gecko scampers across the path. Watching its radiant colours. Simply being there. Wondering how many of them there are.

Then came the questions, like the spark in my youngest’s eyes as she said, “Mommy, did you know it’s autumn now? Because summer is over and winter is coming.” Conversation starters.

Of course, it gets boring after a while. Science says their attention span is around 5 minutes at that age, so it’s a miracle if a 5-year-old lasts longer without distraction. But that’s where the magic of being in the moment comes in. You get creative. You play “I spy.” You retell old bedtime stories that took place in enchanted forests. You make up new tales on the spot. You rhyme silly words. You laugh. You love. You surprise yourself with the ways you keep everyone going. You negotiate a little too.

In this moment, you connect. Not just with your own heartbeat, which you suddenly notice as you are not as fit as you thought, but connecting the moment. Connecting with nature. Connecting with your children. Maybe even with a few forgotten dreams from your own childhood that pops up in the stories.

“One kilometre left? Are you kidding me?”

It was good. It’s always good.

Be present in your moment.. Take a selfie! Capture the moment. Not for social media, but for your heart. To remind yourself… no wait…

To allow yourself to do it again.

Wearing my mom cap 🩶

Natasha Steyn, owner of YHC POPS Private School