When childhood is gradually "shrinking" into the screen.
Modern life is causing many children's childhoods to shrink into enclosed rooms and electronic devices. Besides basic needs like food and physical well-being, children also need to nurture their emotional lives: play, exercise, exploration , and recognition for their efforts. However, outdoor playgrounds for children are becoming increasingly scarce. Even when they exist, laughter is absent because parents are hesitant to let their children go outside, fearing accidents or contact with strangers. Instead, smartphones, tablets, and televisions are becoming children's constant companions.
Many parents have probably experienced that familiar feeling when electronic devices are switched off, and the child looks up with a bewildered expression, as if they've lost the whole world . But in reality, the child's real world, with its trees, rivers, insects, and sky, is right there outside. That's why more and more families are choosing to bring their children back to nature through trekking, picnics, or exploring new places. And what they receive sometimes far exceeds their expectations.
Rare moments of watching the sunrise with the whole family.
Nature - a vast classroom
Initially, children are bewildered by nature. The vastness and wildness of the mountains and forests fill them with a little fear and apprehension. But after a short time, that feeling gradually gives way to curiosity. The children begin to observe more: the different shapes of leaves, the clear stream winding through moss-covered rocks, or the calls of birds in the tall trees. Their senses are awakened – eyes observe, ears listen, hands touch the rough bark of tree trunks or the cool surface of a stone by the stream. Lessons about the natural world come to children in a very natural way, not through books or screens.
The children are taking their first steps into nature.
Explore the reef ecosystem.
Ms. Tran Hoai, mother of six-year-old Soc, still vividly remembers their first trekking trip together in Khanh Hoa . It was also the first time she let her child go on a long hike through the mountains and forests.
“This was the first time I’d taken my child on such a long trekking trip, so I was quite worried. But when I saw my child trying their best, overcoming the bushes and attentively listening to the stories about nature shared by the group leader, I was truly surprised,” Ms. Hoai recounted.
Ms. Hoai and her daughter had a memorable trekking trip.
Despite being tired, little Sóc still seemed to enjoy the journey. "Seeing her become more independent and mature after the trip made me very happy. After that, I promised myself I would spend more time bringing her back to nature," she added.
Those footsteps bring the family closer together.
Interestingly, it's not just the children who change on such trips. Parents also reconnect with their children. Gone are the meetings, emails, and tight deadlines; parents have time to walk alongside their children, encouraging them when they're tired and sharing the joy of reaching their destination. The children feel this companionship. They know their parents are always watching over them, ready to support them when needed. This helps them become more confident in moving forward.
Ms. Thien Thu and her son, Ca Phe (10 years old), also had a memorable experience during their expedition to the Easternmost Point. Throughout the journey, the mother and son constantly encouraged each other.
"There were times when I was quite tired and wanted to stop. But my daughter kept turning back and saying, 'Mom, keep going, we're almost there.' Hearing that, I felt both touched and proud," Thien Thu shared.
Finally, they both arrived at the pristine beach to admire the sunrise. For her, it wasn't just a trip, but also a moment to realize how much her child had grown.
Watching the sunrise at the Easternmost Point after a long journey.
Historical sites teach lessons about gratitude.
Beyond nature, many trips also bring children back to history – where they gain a deeper understanding of their origins. The C235 "No Number" Ship Relic in Dong Ninh Hoa ward, Khanh Hoa province, is a popular destination for families to visit with their children during vacations. This place is associated with stories of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea and the sacrifices of naval soldiers during wartime.
On a peaceful morning, two young children, Sam and Bon, visited the memorial with their family to offer incense. They listened attentively to the story about the ship and the soldiers of yesteryear. What surprised the adults was that on the way home, when asked about the details, the two children remembered almost everything they had heard. Not only that, they eagerly retold the story, excitedly saying they would share it with their classmates.
Such moments help children understand that the peaceful life they enjoy today is not a given. It is the result of the sacrifices and efforts of many previous generations. From this, children gradually develop gratitude and pride in their national history.
The whole family listened to the story of the nameless ship C235.
Many education experts believe that children learn fastest through direct experience. When they participate, touch, and feel, knowledge becomes more vivid and easier to remember than simply reading or listening. For children, it's also an opportunity to experience life in a different way. They can learn how to pitch a tent, build a campfire, row a boat, observe the night sky, or try cooking a local dish. Sometimes it's just making a small handmade item, but it's enough for children to feel capable of creating something with their own hands.
Of course, for children to have such meaningful experiences, careful preparation from adults is always essential. Parents need to do thorough research before departure, choose a trip suitable for their child's age, and prepare adequate contingency plans. A trip may only last a few days, but the memories and lessons from that journey can stay with the child for many years to come.
Nature helps people relax and improve their health.
Source: https://vtv.vn/nhung-dua-tre-lon-dan-len-sau-moi-chuyen-di-100260520210547359.htm
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