Let’s be real for a second. Between busy schedules, unpredictable weather, and the pull of screens, getting outside every day can feel more like a chore than a joy. And yet, so many of us feel that tug — the knowing that fresh air is good for our kids, and good for us too.
That’s where bestselling author and nature advocate Linda Åkeson McGurk comes in with a powerful reminder. It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about making space for something real, simple, and grounding. And that starts with a concept you might not have heard before. Join our Childhood Potential Club to watch the full video.
What is Open-Air Life
In Scandinavia, they call it friluftsliv, a Norwegian word that means “open-air life.” But it’s not just a catchy phrase. It’s a way of being. Friluftsliv is about living in close connection with nature. It’s walking instead of driving. Eating lunch outside when it’s cloudy. Letting your child explore a muddy trail instead of rushing them through it. It doesn’t require special gear or remote landscapes. Just a willingness to step outside and notice what’s already around you. You don’t have to be an outdoorsy family. You just have to be a family that’s open to slowing down and tuning in.
Why Outdoor Time Matters More Than Ever
Modern life has pulled childhood indoors. Less unstructured time. Less play. Less sunlight. More structure. More screens. More stress. But kids are still kids. Their developmental needs haven’t changed just because the world has.
Daily time outside supports:
- Coordination and physical strength
- Attention and emotional regulation
- Creativity, confidence, and independence
- Immune system health
- A deeper connection with the natural world
Being in nature doesn’t just help children feel better. It helps them develop in ways that truly matter.
How to Actually Make it Happen
If all of this sounds lovely but also a bit unrealistic, we get it. That’s why Linda offers the OUT mantra to keep it simple:
Own the weather
Use your nearby nature
Take the time
That might look like packing rain boots in your car, bundling up for a five-minute walk in the snow, or taking your snack break out on the porch. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be something.
Will My Child Get Sick from the Cold
One of the biggest worries we hear is about cold weather and illness. But here’s the truth — kids don’t get sick from being outside. They get sick from viruses, most of which spread more easily indoors. Cold air won’t give your child a cold. In fact, spending time outside can actually help prevent illness by strengthening the immune system and improving sleep and mood. The key is dressing appropriately and staying dry. Which brings us to the next point.
Gear that Works for Real Life
You’ve probably heard this saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” The goal isn’t to spend a fortune on outdoor gear. It’s to keep kids comfortable so they can enjoy being outside longer.
In colder climates, think about three layers:
A base layer to wick moisture
A mid layer for warmth
An outer layer to block wind and water
In warmer climates, a lightweight raincoat and breathable layers are often enough. Keep extras on hand like socks and mittens. Let your child help choose what to wear. And don’t stress if it’s not perfect.
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What if We Live in the City
Friluftsliv isn’t reserved for mountain dwellers or forest explorers. Nature is everywhere if we’re willing to see it.
Urban families can:
- Walk or bike instead of drive
- Play in courtyards or community gardens
- Watch bugs or birds in a nearby tree
- Pack a picnic and head to the park
- Explore the sky, the wind, and the weather itself
Nature doesn’t need to be wild. It just needs to be part of your rhythm.
It’s Not About Doing More. It’s About Living Differently.
If you’ve been feeling the pull to get your kids outside more but you’re not sure where to start, this is your invitation. Open-air life isn’t about checking a box. It’s about connection. It’s about giving children what they need. It’s about letting go of perfection and finding a little space to breathe. Whether it’s raining, snowing, blazing hot, or somewhere in between… there’s a way to welcome nature into your daily life. And the ripple effects? They’re bigger than you think.
Meet Linda Åkeson McGurk
Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish-American writer and the bestselling author of There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather and The Open-Air Life. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Huffington Post, Psychology Today and other major outlets, and she is a frequent guest on podcasts and summits where she speaks about nature connection, parenting and the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv. A passionate advocate for outdoor living, McGurk runs the popular Substack newsletter The Open-Air Life and the long-running blog Rain or Shine Mamma. When she is not writing, she is most likely out wandering the pine forests near her home in Sweden – rain, snow or shine.
