I have come to accept this as our parenting truth...

Indoor crafting sessions with my 4-year-old son? Let’s just say they don’t quite match the picture-perfect moments I see other parents share. While some enjoy calm, seated playtime with their kids, my reality looks different. It’s often tiring, messy, and full of dirt under fingernails. But I’ve come to accept this as our parenting truth - and it’s more than okay. It’s exactly what my son needs to grow and thrive.

Outdoor play has become our go-to, our playground, and our bonding space. Watching my son run, climb, and explore the natural world around us has opened my eyes to how essential this kind of play is, especially for boys. Here’s why stepping outside matters so much for my son’s development and why I believe it can make a difference for many families.

My son climbing a tree

When my son turned four, I realised just how much his play needs were shaping our days - and how often my well-intentioned “quiet activities” were falling completely flat.

I’d set up the cutest indoor crafting session. I’d lay out the paint, the brushes, the little pots of colours. I’d imagine us peacefully creating together…

And within two minutes he’d be:

• sliding off the chair,

• flicking the paintbrush through the air,

• running laps around the table,

• or simply wandering off because it just didn’t hold him.

At first, I worried: Why isn’t this working? Other kids sit and paint for ages…

Then I realised something important - something that so many parents quietly discover:

Some children simply need more movement, more stimulation, and more space than the four walls of a home can offer.

Boys often (not always!) tend to express their play differently than girls, especially in the early years. Many girls can happily settle into more focused, fine-motor activities at a younger age, while boys - developmentally - often crave:

• Big movements

• Sensory variety

• Adventure

• Challenge

• Risk-taking

• Open space

• Freedom

And, honestly, once I stopped fighting that… everything changed!

The Forest Became the Missing Piece

When indoor crafts failed, I started taking him outside - even when it was cold, even when it was muddy, even when the “to do list” felt too long.

Outside, something shifted.

Suddenly:

• he could run without restriction.

• he could climb, jump, explore, test, stretch, and dig.

• he wasn’t expected to sit still.

• nature itself became the stimulation he needed.

And instead of chaos… I found calm.

Outdoors, he was:

• more grounded

• more regulated

• more focused

• more socially flexible

• more imaginative

• and, most of all - more himself

It wasn’t that he couldn’t enjoy crafts. It’s that he needed his cup filled first - through movement, sensory input, challenge, and freedom.

Once he had that? He could sit and paint for five minutes. He could craft a little. He could play quietly indoors.

But without the forest time… none of that worked.

So, What’s Actually Going On? (The Developmental Side)

Every child is beautifully individual. But many parents of boys notice patterns like:

1. Big bodies before fine fingers

Boys often develop gross motor needs earlier and more intensely - running, jumping, crashing, climbing.

2. Higher sensory-seeking behaviour

Movement, noise, texture, novelty - all help regulate their nervous system.

3. Shorter natural attention spans for seated tasks

They’re not “naughty.” Their brains are literally wired to seek movement to focus.

4. A drive for challenge and autonomy

Outdoor play meets this need in a healthy way, versus constant battles indoors.

5. Emotional release through physical play

Frustration, excitement, overwhelm - all move through their bodies better outdoors.

Girls can absolutely need all this too - but for many boys, especially around age 4, it’s essential.

What the Forest Gives My Son That Indoors Never Could

Here’s what I’ve seen, over and over:

⭐ Freedom

No chair to sit on. No rules about mess. No ceiling.

⭐ Sensory richness

Wind, mud, bark, water, leaves — a full-body sensory playground.

⭐ Challenge and mastery

Balancing on logs, climbing slopes, carrying sticks… these build real confidence.

⭐ Natural regulation

His emotions settle faster than any deep-breathing exercise ever could.

⭐ Connection

To me. To the world. To his own body.

The outdoors doesn’t just “burn energy.” It restores balance.

For Parents Who Feel Like Indoor Play Just Isn’t Working… You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

If your son (or daughter!) can’t sit still for crafts, won’t concentrate indoors, or melts down when you try structured activities…

…it’s not a failure.…it’s not bad behaviour.…and it’s not your parenting.

It’s simply a sign their nervous system needs movement first, focus second.

Some kids settle into indoor, fine-motor, creative play much later — and that’s absolutely okay.

My Best Advice? Take It Outside First.

Let them:

• climb,

• run,

• explore,

• balance,

• stomp,

• jump,

• shout,

• get messy.

Give their body what it’s craving. Let nature do the regulating it’s built to do.

Then try the quiet play.

You’ll be amazed at the difference - I know I was.

Why I’ve Learned to Embrace Our Messy, Active Reality

Accepting that indoor crafting won’t be our main bonding activity was a turning point for me. Instead of trying to force calm, seated play, I’ve embraced the messiness and energy of outdoor adventures. This shift has made parenting more enjoyable and less stressful.

I’ve also learned practical ways to prepare for our outdoor time:

• Packing extra clothes and wipes for quick cleanups

• Choosing safe but challenging play areas

• Bringing snacks and water to keep energy up

  
  

These small steps make it easier to enjoy nature without worrying about the mess or fatigue.

Tips for Parents Who Want to Encourage Outdoor Play

Some ideas that worked for us:

• Get them out early - don't wait - eat breakfast and then head out, no matter the weather. Just be prepared to dress them (and you) appropriately.

• Don't listen to them if they say they don't want to go out. They will thank you later!

• Let your child lead the exploration - follow their interests

• Bring simple toys like balls, buckets, or magnifying glasses

• Join in the play to role model curiosity and enthusiasm

• Accept that dirt and tiredness are part of the process

Remember, the goal is connection and growth, not perfection and if you can - find your "people" - those who also once longed for indoor arts and crafts afternoons but have now settled for outdoor magical mayhem instead.