How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children's health

The article discusses the importance of bringing nature into children's environments, particularly in daycares and nurseries. It highlights the Finnish model, where green spaces are incorporated into childcare settings to promote healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. The article cites research that suggests early exposure to green space can lead to a stronger immune system, better gut health, and even a reduction in allergies.

The article also features quotes from Marja Roslund, a scientist at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, who emphasizes the importance of bringing nature into children's lives. She says that this approach is not only good for children's health but also for national health and the economy as a whole.

Additionally, the article mentions the Hunter's Bar infant school in Sheffield, which has created a 70-metre-long hedge of plants and shrubs around its playground to reduce air pollution from nearby roads. This initiative demonstrates how small changes can be made to improve environmental conditions for children.

The article concludes by highlighting the growing interest in replicating the Finnish model in other countries, with visitors coming to see how it can be implemented at home. It quotes Marjo Vรคlimรคki-Saari, the director of Poutapilvi-Puimuri daycare centre in Helsinki, who says that they are moving the action from inside to outside and want to show children nature so they learn about it.

Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of incorporating nature into children's environments to promote healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall well-being.
 
๐ŸŒฑ I totally get why Finnish parents would do this - have you seen those pics of Finnish kids playing outside in the snow? They're like little outdoor adventurers! ๐Ÿคฉ And it makes sense that bringing nature into childcare settings could have a real impact on their health and wellbeing. My niece went to one of these Finnish-style daycare centres when she was little and she was literally obsessed with exploring all the plants and trees. Now she's all about sustainability and being kind to the environment... so maybe this is where it started? ๐ŸŒฟ
 
๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ‘ถ I mean, what's not to love about a 70-metre-long hedge around a playground? It's not like our grandparents used to play in actual woods or anything... ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ But seriously, if it can make a difference in reducing air pollution and promoting healthy ecosystems, then more power to the parents who are making those changes. And I'm sure those Finnish scientists know their stuff (no need to Google this one, folks). It's all about creating an environment that fosters curiosity and exploration... or so I've heard ๐Ÿค”
 
I think its a great idea to bring nature into childcare settings! ๐ŸŒณ I mean, we're always told that kids need fresh air and exercise, but have you seen some of these daycares? They're basically little bubbles without greenery. Its good for them, good for the environment... what's not to love? And I think its awesome that Finland is taking this so seriously - they're like, "Hey, we know our kids need nature too!" ๐Ÿ™Œ And that one school in Sheffield? That's some next-level thinking right there! 70 metres of hedge? That's commitment. Its amazing how something as simple as a garden can make such a big difference. We should all be inspired to get creative and bring the outdoors in (or out, haha).
 
I'm not sure I fully buy into this whole "nature in childcare" thing... like, isn't that just a fancy way of saying we're gonna make daycare feel less like a sterile prison? ๐Ÿค”

I mean, have you seen the research on this? What's the actual source of these claims that early exposure to green space leads to stronger immune systems and better gut health? I need some credible links or studies here before I start sending my kids to play in the mud.

And what about the economic benefits? How exactly is bringing nature into childcare settings gonna save us money? ๐Ÿค‘

I like the idea of making small changes, though... that hedge at Hunter's Bar school sounds pretty cool. But can we actually measure the impact on air pollution or something? That'd be a good starting point for me.
 
I'm thinking, what's up with this Finnish model, right? They're literally bringing nature into childcare settings and it's like a game changer for kids! ๐ŸŒณ I mean, who wouldn't want their little ones running around in green spaces all day? Research says it's good for their immune system, gut health, and even allergy levels - what more could you ask for? ๐Ÿค” And it's not just about the health benefits, Marja Roslund is saying this can have a positive impact on national health and the economy too. That's some serious food for thought! ๐Ÿ’ก It's inspiring to see initiatives like the Hedge at Hunter's Bar infant school in Sheffield where they're making small changes to create big impacts. I'm definitely taking note of this trend and thinking about how we can bring more nature into our daily lives - whether it's a backyard garden or just spending time outside with our kids! ๐ŸŒž
 
omg u guys ๐Ÿคฏ i am totes in favor of gettin more natures around daycare centers!! its like, our kiddos need a break from all that screen time & processed food ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ“บ. studies show that bein near green spaces can boost their immune system & reduce allergy attacks ๐Ÿ˜ท. plus, its just soooo important for them 2 learn about the environment & how 2 care 4 it ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’š. i mean, who needs more meds & hospital visits when u can give kids a healthy dose of nature ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ‘
 
I'm totally down for this ๐ŸŒฑ! I mean, can you think of anything better than a day full of playtime in the park? It's like they say, 'get outside and get dirty'... but not too dirty, obviously ๐Ÿ˜‚. Seriously though, it makes so much sense that nature is key to our little ones' development. My niece has a nursery that just built this epic outdoor playground with a mini-garden and everything! She's always so excited to go out there and explore. And it's not just the kids who benefit - I've been reading about how being in nature can help reduce stress for adults too ๐Ÿ™. The Finnish model is definitely something we should be looking into here in the States. Who needs playdates when you have a whole forest to explore? ๐Ÿ˜†
 
๐ŸŒฟ I think it's super cool that Finland is leading the way in this, you know? ๐Ÿค“ They're like, totally getting it right with this green space thing. Kids need to be around nature from a young age, it's so important for their health and development. And it's not just about them, it's also good for the environment and the economy. ๐ŸŒฑ I mean, think about all the benefits of having kids play outside - they're less likely to get sick, allergies are reduced... it's like a win-win! ๐Ÿ˜Š
 
๐ŸŒฟ I was going through this thread the other day and thought it was really interesting how Finland is already getting ahead on this one ๐Ÿค“ they're like 5-10 years ahead of most countries in incorporating nature into childcare settings. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially since we just got a new baby at home. Taking my kid to the park or even just our backyard to play and explore has made such a big difference for them ๐ŸŒธ
 
I donโ€™t usually comment but... I think itโ€™s really cool that Finland is leading the way with this green space thing in daycares ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’š. I mean, who wouldn't want their kiddo running around in nature all day? ๐Ÿž๏ธ It makes sense that it could help with allergies and stuff, and itโ€™s great to hear that they're not just talking about it, but actually doing it ๐Ÿ™Œ. The idea of a hedge around the playground in Sheffield is genius! ๐Ÿ’ก And I love that people are starting to take notice and want to replicate it at home ๐Ÿ . It's like, we need more of this kind of thing, you know? Less screens and more fresh air ๐ŸŒŸ.
 
๐ŸŒฟ I think its fab idea to bring nature into daycare & nursery settings. Its not just good for kids' health but also for the planet ๐ŸŒŽ! The more green spaces we have, the better our air quality & overall ecosystem is. In my opinion, we should be making more of these eco-friendly changes at home too, like having a tiny garden or even just a few plants in pots on the balcony. Its amazing how something as simple as this can make such a big difference ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’š
 
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