Today’s hyperconnected world has enabled more global connectivity, but it has also drastically impacted childhood and adolescent development. Families are increasingly being encouraged to spend more time outdoors, and in a South African context, nature reserves, the seaside, and eco-focused estates are great options.
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book The Anxious Generation draws attention to the shift from a play-based to a phone-based childhood – one that has significantly disrupted natural development. More and more research is showing that one of the most effective ways to restore balance is to reintroduce meaningful time in nature.
“Children deserve a childhood rooted in the real world, with the freedom to explore the natural environment,” says Sam Wenger, Development Director of Serenity Hills, an eco-focused estate on the KZN South Coast. “Nature-based living is a direct investment in your child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Families are now prioritising secure living environments where their children can thrive in a more natural setting – a space where kids can just be kids.”
6 Benefits of Nature-Based Living for Children
Nature play, which is unstructured time outdoors in natural surroundings, is increasingly recognised as essential to childhood development. Here are just some of the proven benefits:
- Reduced anxiety
The Anxious Generation outlines how childhood is being rewired, with the result being an epidemic of mental illness among the youth, including anxiety and depression. The antidote is disconnecting from smartphones and reconnecting with the real world. Studies by the Université de Montréal have shown that just two hours a week in a natural setting significantly reduces anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in children.
2. Cognitive development
Natural environments stimulate curiosity and improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and imagination. Research shows that children exposed to nature show stronger academic outcomes and greater creativity.
3. Enhanced social skills
Playing in groups outdoors fosters communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution among children. Whether building forts or exploring trails, children develop social intelligence in organic, meaningful ways, resulting in better lifelong social skills.
4. Better physical health
Outdoor play supports motor skills, coordination, balance, and overall fitness among children. Children who spend more time moving in diverse natural terrain – such as climbing trees, running barefoot on grass, and generally navigating the wonders of the natural world – are generally healthier and more agile.
5. Boosted confidence
Nature play offers safe opportunities for children to take risks and problem solve without authority figures stepping in. This helps children build resilience, self-esteem, and independence, which are qualities often lacking in today’s highly structured lifestyles.
6. Appreciation for conservation
Finally, early interactions with the environment foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and encourage responsible behaviour in terms of sustainability and conservation. Children who play in the natural world appreciate it more, and work towards protecting and conserving it in future.
How Eco-Focused Estates Support Nature Play
For many families, the benefits of nature-based living can feel out of reach amid urban sprawl, daily traffic, and screen-heavy routines. But eco-estates like Serenity Hills are helping to rewild childhood by weaving nature into everyday life.
Situated in Margate on the KZN South Coast, Serenity Hills is a secure, family-friendly estate surrounded by over 70 hectares of protected greenbelt and indigenous forest. Children here grow up with freedom to roam, explore, and play safely in a natural setting.
Key features that support nature-based living at Serenity Hills include:
· Access to nature: Children can bike through coastal forests, fish in the estate dams, or hike along natural trails right outside their front door.
· State-of-the-art security: Parents have peace of mind knowing their children are safe while enjoying outdoor play.
· Proximity to natural assets: Located near world-class beaches and reserves, the estate offers daily access to the best of the KZN South Coast’s nature.
· A strong sense of community: Families connect at the clubhouse, Sweetdale Night Market, and riverfront picnic areas.
· Growing demand: With 53 households already living on-site and limited plots remaining, Serenity Hills continues to attract families seeking a healthier, outdoor lifestyle.
“At Serenity Hills, nature isn’t something you visit once a year, it’s a part of your everyday life,” says Wenger. “Our estate was built with family wellbeing in mind, where children can spend their afternoons outside fishing in dams or biking through the coastal forest, not behind screens. And with our state-of-the-art security, parents can rest easy knowing they’re safe.”
To find out more or to book a viewing at Serenity Hills, visit www.serenityhills.co.za. For regular updates, follow @serenityhillsecoestate on Facebook and Instagram. To find out more or book at The Packshed, visit www.thepackshed.co.za.
