Imagine a childhood where playing outside isn’t just an occasional treat — it’s the norm. Where children run through snow, climb trees, and splash in puddles, no matter the weather. Where screens and schedules don’t dominate their days, and learning happens not just in classrooms but in forests, parks, and backyards.
For Swedish-American journalist, author, and mother Linda Akeson McGurk, this childhood isn’t imaginary — it’s real, and it’s called friluftsliv, the Nordic philosophy of “open-air life.”
“It’s about connecting with nature in everyday life. It’s non-competitive, non-motorized — walking around the neighbourhood, foraging for berries, kayaking, skiing, camping,” McGurk told Lianne Castelino during an interview for Where Parents Talk. “And it can be practiced no matter where you live.”
Drawing from her upbringing in Sweden and decades advocating for nature-based play, McGurk believes that reconnecting children with the outdoors isn’t just a nice idea — it’s essential for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
What is Friluftsliv?
Friluftsliv is more than outdoor recreation; it’s a philosophy. In Nordic countries, children are immersed in nature from infancy: napping outdoors in winter, spending hours at daycare outside, and enjoying daily recess regardless of the weather. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”
Weekend family hikes and traditions like Norway’s Søndagsstur (Sunday walks) pass this lifestyle from one generation to the next. For McGurk, these early experiences shaped not only her childhood but also her approach to parenting.
The North American Disconnect
McGurk observes a stark contrast in the U.S., where indoor play dominates and childhood has become increasingly structured:
“Almost every parent I speak to remembers playing outside a lot as a child. Then I ask if their kids play outside as much. Almost nobody raises their hand. We’ve seen a big shift toward indoor childhoods, and it’s hurting our children’s physical and mental health,” she says.
She warns that fear drives much of this shift — fear of accidents, abduction, or falling behind academically — but the consequences of a sedentary, indoor childhood are immediate: weaker coordination, higher anxiety, and even health conditions like rickets making a comeback due to lack of sun exposure.
Bringing Outdoor Living into Your Family
The good news? Friluftsliv can be incorporated even in busy urban lives. McGurk recommends intentional, everyday outdoor exposure:
Walk to school or stop at a park on the way home.
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Eat outside when weather permits.
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Prioritize unstructured play; children need 45 minutes or more of free play daily to d
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Develop resilience and creativity.
“Even small changes — walking instead of driving, eating outside, letting kids play freely — can have a profound impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health.”
She also urges parents to confront their fears:
“Start small. Let your child do something slightly uncomfortable, but never push them beyond their comfort zone. Guide, don’t intervene. And for weather, just dress for it. Kids have thrived in all climates for millennia — they’re more resilient than we give them credit for.”
Outdoor Play Builds Resilience
Nature naturally challenges children, teaching life skills along the way:
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Tree climbing teaches risk management, coordination, and problem-solving.
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Playing in the rain or snow fosters adaptability and grit.
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Collaborating with peers outdoors develops communication and teamwork skills.
“Conditions don’t have to be perfect to have fun. That’s a lesson that carries into life.”
Real-Life Transformation
When McGurk’s children returned to Sweden after early years in the U.S., the difference was striking.
“My oldest daughter told me she hated school in the U.S. The transition to more outdoor time and a calmer pace in Sweden helped reignite her love of learning. That was a reminder of how vital outdoor living is to a child’s well-being.”
By reintroducing her children to friluftsliv, McGurk was able to restore balance, joy, and curiosity — even in the face of previous over-scheduled, indoor-focused routines.
Take the First Step
Her advice for parents is simple and actionable: commit to 15 minutes per day.
“It grows on you, and it grows on the kids. You’ll want to do a little more every day.”
Start small, embrace your local parks and green spaces, reduce screen time, and let children play freely. Nature isn’t just a backdrop for life — it’s a foundation for thriving childhoods. Even small, intentional steps can create lasting benefits for children and families.
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