The Importance Of Outdoor Play for Early Childhood Development with Angela Hanscom

Adventure Nannies On Air

Angela Hanscom, occupational therapist and visionary founder of Timbernook, takes us on a fascinating journey through the critical importance of outdoor play in child development. "Nature is the ultimate sensory experience," she explains, revealing how modern childhood's increasing indoor confinement is fundamentally altering children's neurological development.
With alarming clarity, Hanscom shares that today's children sit approximately nine hours daily, severely restricting movement patterns necessary for healthy development. The consequences manifest in surprising ways – children literally falling out of chairs, bumping into each other, and struggling with sensory processing. These aren't merely behavioral issues but symptoms of underdeveloped vestibular and proprioceptive systems – sensory networks crucial for body awareness, coordination, and emotional regulation.
Through compelling stories from her Timbernook program, Hanscom demonstrates how authentic outdoor play creates profound developmental opportunities impossible to replicate indoors. A child climbing trees, building forts, or catching frogs in mud puddles receives full-body sensory input that integrates their neurological systems in ways small boxes of sand in clinical settings simply cannot. When adults step back and allow children to navigate their own conflicts and creative endeavors, remarkable learning unfolds – from boundary-setting to empathy, problem-solving to emotional regulation.
Particularly moving is her observation of "play-deprived" urban children who approach outdoor experiences with palpable urgency, making the most of limited time in nature. This reinforces the deep biological need for these experiences across all demographics and environments.
Whether you're a nanny, parent, or educator, this conversation will transform how you view those muddy clothes and risky climbing adventures. The next time a child spins in circles or jumps in puddles, you'll recognize it as essential neurological development rather than mere play. Ready to support the children in your life through meaningful outdoor experiences? Start by giving them time, materials, and the precious gift of stepping back.

Learn more about timbernook here: https://timbernook.com/

Purchase Angela's book, Balanced and Barefoot here: https://amzn.to/43vR3El

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Adventure Nannies Summit (00:00:00)

2. Angela's Journey to Founding Timbernook (00:02:04)

3. Nature as the Ultimate Sensory Experience (00:07:07)

4. Vestibular Development Through Movement (00:13:40)

5. Proprioception and Heavy Work Benefits (00:18:35)

6. Urban Settings and Safety Considerations (00:23:44)

7. The Power of Stepping Back (00:30:18)

8. Nurturing Teen Development and Closing Thoughts (00:38:12)