Why a Nature-Based Program?
Outdoor play is essential in the development of physical and emotional skills which may not be achieved by indoor play. In the last decade, the amount of time kids spend outdoors playing has steadily declined. Often, outdoor time has been replaced with an increased use of technology. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, children missed opportunities for outdoor play and social engagement. Many of them still haven’t developed these skills.
Wendi noticed the effects of this first hand in her school-based practice through increased consultation requests from teachers. More children were coming to school with weaker, uncoordinated, emotional bodies. As a result, they struggled with socialization, self-regulation, sensory processing and academic skills, like organization and handwriting.
The answer was clear: children need to play outside to achieve balance in their bodies. Hence the creation of Balanced in Nature OT. Wendi believes child-directed, occupational therapist supported outdoor play improves physical, emotional and social skills so a child can bloom into a confident, calm, independent, flexible, determined being.
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
JOHN MUIR