Thanksgiving is a natural time to reflect on the most meaningful things in life. Having lost my dad earlier this year, I find myself wanting to honor his legacy this holiday season by giving thanks to some of the most important life lessons he taught me.
As a nature lover, my dad shared a lot of his life’s wisdoms when we were out enjoying the natural world. Here are a few of my favorites:
Lesson 1: Be kind to animals.
When I was about 10, my dad nursed a baby crow back from a broken leg it got falling out of its nest in our front yard. We built the bird a cage, hand fed it and eventually encouraged it to leave our little “nest” and return to the wild. I’ve had an affinity for wildlife ever since.
Foster respect and appreciation for all things wild with your little ones. That includes the ants and spiders, too!
Lesson 2: Take your time.
I enjoyed countless hikes with my dad, especially during our annual trips to Yosemite. No matter the hike, no matter my age, his mantra was always the same: “Take your time. Find your pace and don’t let anybody rush you.”
Kids should be allowed to explore the outdoors at their speed. When they’re tired, don’t push it. Keep it fun and remember that life isn’t a race.
Lesson 3: It’s OK to play with fire. Just be safe.
I don’t ever remember my dad telling my brother or I that something was too dangerous. Whether it was rock climbing or playing with a hammer and nails, we learned by doing. He’d share the ground rules, then let us have at it.
Don’t be afraid to let your kids get their share of bumps and bruises. If they want to try something new, teach them how to be safe and then let ’em go.
Lesson 4: Dirt is good for you.
I grew up with a dream backyard so I spent most of my daylight hours outside. There were mud pies to be made, pomegranates, oranges and boysenberries to be eaten, trees to climb and woodpiles to scour through. On most days, my dad was out there, too. We never gave a second thought to getting dirty.
Exploration demands the freedom to touch things, feel them, even taste them. Don’t fear the dirt — and don’t let your little ones fear it, either.
Lesson 5: You can do anything you set your mind to.
Although I was no daredevil growing up, my dad always encouraged me to try new things. More often than not, I found some semblance of success, even if it just meant trying something I’d never done before.
Kids may need a little nudge now and then to do something different. Be there biggest advocate.
Nature has plenty of valuable lessons to teach our kids. I hope you’ll take time to pass them on to the little ones in your life. And if you wouldn’t mind sharing, I’d love to hear them, too!
Eric says
Debi – Reading this brought a big smile to my face. I only hope that my boys will think this way of me.
Suz Lipman says
Hi Debi. This is such a beautiful post, full of warmth and lovely memories. Your dad sounds very special and it's obvious that he imparted a great love of nature to you, through his actions and words. I'm so glad you shared a bit about him, and that his legacy lives on through you and your children.
DEBI says
Katie & Michele, thanks for stopping by!
Michele-Play Parks says
I loved this post, Debi. Missed it last week. It sounds like your Dad was there leading you along the way. My dad imparted all his nautical wisdom to me and now to his grandchildren. I'll make sure to listen harder and take notes.
OCMomActivities - Katie says
Great lessons we can all learn from. :)<br /><br />Thank you!
DEBI says
From what I've been reading, Sharlene, you're doing a great job!
Sharlene says
Those are great lessons. I grew up in a fear everything and try nothing kind of home so I am trying to not make the same mistakes with my children. The lessons your dad gave you are many of the same I hope to give my children.
DEBI says
Thanks for the lovely comments, you guys! <br /><br />Mike, yes, the crow's name was Jackson — for MJ, of course!<br /><br />Mel, I'm glad to hear your mom rocked! We must continue the tradition with the next generation, no? :)<br /><br />Vicky, glad you enjoyed the post!
vicky says
really enjoyed reading this!
Mel says
Your dad sounds wonderful. My mom, brother and I went to Yosemite every summer and learned some of those same lessons. It was my mom who allowed us to explore, get dirty and try new things. Every child should have that.<br /><br />Happy T-day!
Mike says
Great reflection! I love it! I remember that little crow…wasn't his name Jackson??? Don't know why I remember that, must be the great words you shared above!<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
DEBI says
Thanks for your comments, my friends! <br /><br />Marghanita, I loved your post on the Joy of Being Outdoors. Our dads have done well not only for us, but for the next generation as well! 🙂
Marghanita Hughes says
It was my father who introduced me to nature. He would take us hill walking, forest trails, rock hunting, bird watching…the list was endless. As a family we spent so much of our time outdoors. It has been such a joy to foster that love of nature in my own children. <br />When I moved to BC five years ago I never thought I would miss my father so much.<br />My Blog Post: The Joy of Being
that James guy says
Great post. I'm glad you shared this, thank you!