What Would I Say To a Nervous Parent About Getting Started With Forest School?

Today, I’m looking at the question of ‘What would I say to a nervous parent about getting started with Forest School?’

My answer would be trust in the process.

The Confusion Around Forest School

Forest School as you may well know by now hasn’t been explained as well as it could have, hence the daily podcast , blog and why I’m writing a book.

This can therefore lead parents to not really know what they’re about to let their children into at Forest School. This can put a parent in a state of nervousness, anxiety or in some cases fear. There then naturally becomes a hyper vigilance to a parent. I get that! Man I think I’d be the same.

At Eco Ed Forest School though I make a concerted effort to explain in simple terms what it is all about and how it’s done, which is provided to parents in what is know as a parent pack.

This is delivered to each parent when they come across us. Parents are then well prepared for what is about to happen that can put them in a better pre frame.

Now, I would be lying to say every parent is ready for Forest School with us. Some don’t read the parent pack, some don’t fully take in what they are reading and some find it difficult to let go.

What’s The REAL Strategy Behind Forest School?

Let’s quickly remind ourselves again what Forest School is about especially if you’re listening for the first time and always wondered.

Forest School sets your child up for life success by equipping them with all the life skills so they can thrive in this ever changing world. It is done over a long term process, meaning lots and often with the main learning tool being child led play. Simply your child deciding what, when, how and with who they play.

This is then all complimented by the support from the Forest school leader who’s kind of like a teacher, where they focus on extending each child’s holistic development or development of the whole child and not small subject specific sections. This is done through lots of watching the children, modelling to a child ways to do things and bringing along items to enhance play.

The Uniqueness Of Forest School

This is why I say trust in the process. A Forest School is only a Forest School because of the Leader. Without a qualification a Forest School would be only outdoor learning or something equivalent.

This shows that behind the qualification is a process, procedures and an understanding of a system that has worked for over 20 years in the UK and longer in other countries. That’s why it has exponentially exploded over the last number of years.

How you choose to parent is your entirely choice, but what I want to get across to you today is that by volunteering to attend a Forest School you have to release your parenting inhibitions, control and give your trust over to your child and the Leader for it to work. Otherwise the process becomes stiffled.

I Know What You’re Thinking Right Now Though.

But Mark when my children play they don’t look like they’re learning or my child doesn’t seem to do much when they’re playing.

Play is so complex it takes an expert to understand what’s truly going on. Don’t be fooled, there is more than you may never know going on in a moment, even when a child might be just watching others play.

Play is SO misunderstood and I think there is often such a big need, today, to be seen to be busy or doing things that it takes away from the finer and sometimes most influential points in life and learning.

You don’t have to do anything for your child at Forest School. Children have their own learning through play agenda that is suited to them and their bodies and brains know this. Plus the Forest School leader is there to support as necessary, that’s there job after all.

Sometimes as adults we tend to interfere a little too much, I get that and have myself been there early in my teaching career.

What Should I do Instead?

If you’re asked or wish to stay at a Forest School session instead be a play partner and not a parent for two hours or more. You will not only get yourself a break in the beautiful outdoors but I promise you will see your child in a different way when you relax to the process.

Yes do protect them from danger, but danger that is going to cause serious harm to your child’s wellbeing. They don’t need you to be right up alongside them throughout. Space is key and is something which empowers them and drives learning. Even if you’re dying to jump in, inside.

After this you may still be pondering but I think they’d like more structured stuff to do, Mark. Do they or do you?

What if someone told you right now how to learn anything, that goes against everything you already know allows you to learn best? Yeah that’s what giving children tasks does. They’re born knowing how to play and how to learn huge life specific things through it.

Your child will not be bored, even if they are that’s amazing as it then forces them to use their creative brain and go beyond having to rely on outside stimuli to prompt them. Learnt helplessness helps nobody, especially if you want your child to grow up and be set for success. Boredom holds so much benefit.

But they won’t be and you know why because there is so much to explore, there is so much to motivate them when they choose and it’s all done in an environment with other children who can inspire them if they have a lapse of creativity.

If you’re ready to trust in the process..

You’re Just One Session Away.