As your child looks longingly out the window of the house on a clear blue day-you think about how much work still needs to be done in the house or on the computer. It just seems like there is always more to do inside than outside. How do we give ourselves the permission to go out with our young one and just BE in nature? We have to say to ourselves it is ok to put aside the chores and the bills and step outside.
In the northwest we are so fortunate to have nature right outside our door. Just a walk around the neighborhood brings wonders to a preschoolers eyes: ants on the march along a sidewalk, a crow that caws at us, the sharp rattle of the woodpecker or sapsucker looking for a mate. Stop and look closely at the flowers in the neighbor's yard and teach your child to look but not pick. A difficult idea for any person-much less a very little one.
There is so much to learn and teach outdoors. Your young person can learn about math-count the trees till you reach the corner. Teach them about being an ambassador to nature by bringing a bag along with you to pick up trash along the road. But most of all, teach your child to love nature because a child that loves nature, grows up to be an adult who will care for our earth.
Earth stewardship begins the moment a child is born and stares up into the sky, following the movement of the clouds. Give your child the gift of nature by being outside with them.
