Getting outside with my kids isn’t always easy. I’ve learned that the trick is to make connecting with nature a priority. Not just on Earth Day, but every day in whatever way life allows.
Since I started this blog some seven months ago, I’ve learned a thing or two about kids and nature. To celebrate Earth Day, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite discoveries with you.
Lesson 1: KIDS DON’T BORE AS EASILY AS YOU MIGHT THINK
I can’t remember how many times I’ve thought my kids would hate me for dragging them along on one of my grand nature adventures. Or die of boredom when they realized all there was to look at were plants and flowers.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Case in point: Our recent 1 ½-hour drive to and from the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Not only did they enjoy the drive, but they had a great time looking at the flowers and bugs – and even had fun chasing the wind.
Bottom line is that kids will take away from an experience what you help put into it. Make nature fun and exciting and your kids will see it that way, too.
Lesson 2: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
When it comes to nature and your kids, don’t assume anything.
While I’m not going to deny that my oldest came out of the womb with a car attached to one hand, he’s anything from a stereotypical boy. He loves flowers, after all. So much so that when we made leis together in Hawaii, he thoroughly enjoyed himself and wore his finished wrist lei with as much pride as I did.
Don’t be afraid to try something just because you think it might not be your child’s cup of tea. You never know. Kids are full of surprises.
Lesson 3: SHARING NATURE WITH FRIENDS IS FUN
Nature playdates, hikes with friends and days on the beach with buddies have been some of our most enjoyable outdoor experiences. When they get together, kids experience nature in an entirely different way.
My explorers might not have been as determined to make their way through the Dole Plantation Maze had it not been for the help of their two friends. It was raining, hot and just plain tiring at times. But when one was frustrated, another was there to cheer him on. Together, they played, explored and found each of the required stations and stencils needed to “finish” the maze. And oh the power of group pride at a task well done!
Lesson 4: KIDS BELIEVE – AND WE SHOULD, TOO
I remember the first “real” hike my big explorer took when he was about 3 ½ years old. We hiked about 3 miles on a steep trail in the midst of Yosemite’s mighty summer heat. The big guy wanted to give hiking a try and wouldn’t hear of being carried. We took it slow, rested a lot along the way and stayed plenty hydrated. The hubby and I were shocked to see how well our big explorer did, and how proud he felt when he made it back down to the bottom of the trail without any help from mom and dad.
Since then we have been surprised by our kids’ determination and desire to try things seemingly far beyond their means on more than one occasion. The only thing they needed from us was to believe in them, too.
We’ll undoubtedly mark Earth Day tomorrow with some simple act. Maybe we’ll finally plant that camellia from my dad’s garden. Or refill our birdfeeders and water our marigolds. Maybe we’ll pick up trash in our neighborhood. It doesn’t really matter what we do. What matters is that we do something.
I hope you will, too.
This post is part of the nature and children blog carnival hosted by Shannon at Backyard Mama. Stop on over to see how others are celebrating Earth Day with kids.
Debi says
Ariella, nice to know there's another little guy out there somewhere loving cars & flowers — the world needs more of them!<br /><br />Jana, hope you had a wonderful Earth Day with your little guy!
ThingsToDoWithKids says
Very cute! I was thinking of taking my son out to do pick flowers and play in the dirt today in celebration of earth day.
AriellaRogge says
I agree w/ Mel–I am always amazed how much I learn/see just by slowing down. Debi, I loved the "car attached to one hand" comment–my eldest is the same…and he would LOVE the leis. (Based on the photos in your blog, I think the two of them would get on handsomely! :)<br /><br />Thank you for the gentle lessons–and your beautiful writing. Just what we need. Fondly, Ariella
Debi says
Mel, I'd have to agree with you on that one.<br /><br />Michele, hope you & yours have a wonderful Earth Day outside! :)<br /><br />Jen, Oooh … nature boardwalks sound fun. I can't wait to visit FL with my explorers some day. 🙂
Jen says
My kids are the happiest when we are running around a large field or through a forest but their favorite is when we are walking on a nature boardwalk found all over FL.
Michele-Play Parks says
All so true! Thanks for putting it into words.
Mel says
I think I learn more from my kids when we are hanging out outside than they learn from me!