Growing up in Sweden, my parents always encouraged outdoor activities no matter the weather, which was driven the concept of “friluftsliv,” meaning “open-air life”. Embracing nature is a big part of Swedish culture, and when my kids were young, I let them explore nature without adult intervention, just as I did.
Living in Sweden now, I often reflect on how strange it was when I lived in the U.S. and people reacted to my kids napping on the porch all year round. As the author of “The Open-Air Life” and “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather,” I’ve found that friluftsliv isn’t just for fostering healthy habits in children, but it’s also a major reason why Nordic countries are often ranked among the world’s happiest.
Here’s my top advice for introducing friluftsliv into your parenting style:
Firstly, schedule outdoor time, making morning and evening walks a staple in your family’s routine. These walks and even dinners outside can help build a love for nature. If time is limited, combine outdoor time with other activities, such as walking to daycare instead of driving.
Secondly, start with where you are. You don’t need remote wilderness to experience nature – use what you have and do what you can without extra effort. Whether it’s watching birds or hugging trees, nature is all around us.
Lastly, don’t let the weather ruin your fun. Embrace all seasons and encourage your children to enjoy nature in all types of weather. By dressing children for the weather, they get to experience the joy of nature in every condition.
So, while friluftsliv may be a deeply rooted concept in Swedish culture, it can be adapted and incorporated anyone, anywhere in the world.