As the weather gets warmer, most of us are excited to spend more time outside. It can feel great to be out in the sunshine after a long winter! But sometimes a grieving child may choose not to do this. Perhaps, in their grief, your child is not engaging in as many activities as they previously did. Or they may not be enjoying things in the same way that they used to. In grief, this can be normal, but taking small steps towards healing once your child is ready can be beneficial. And spending time outside – especially in nature – can be a balm for the soul.
How can you encourage a reluctant, grieving child to do this, knowing that this will likely be healing for them? Think about outside activities that your child usually does enjoy and invite them to join you. A walk to the ice cream shop on a warm spring evening? Playing catch in the backyard? Having an evening fire complete with s’mores? A meal on the porch? Consider encouraging your child to invite a friend or two to join in on the activity. Taking one step and one warm day a time, your child can slowly heal.