19
OCTOBER, 2011
Getting Back to Nature
Polkadot Carly
Some of you may be aware and some of you not, that I also write my own personal blog, “Polkadotty Mum”. Its just a blog bout my every day activities, adventures, and happenings, but I recently wrote a piece that I feel very passionate about and thought I would share with you all on here . . . It’s all about getting back to nature!
Children just don’t seem to play like they use to! We feel like we have to plan every minute of their day with activities that are going to make them smarter. In the process we are totally over working ourselves and overstimulating our children!
A couple of weeks ago I did an article review in the Polkadots Blog about children returning to nature. After reading this article I got this obsession with wanting to take Ashton out for a bush walk. . . Since then we have been on three!!! And they have been the best play dates ever!
Here are some pointers for having a successful NATURE ADVENTURE!
* Dress appropriately! Wear clothes that can get muddy or take grass stains!
* Take a change of clothes . . . just in case! You’re more likely to explore more deeply and be more lenient to your child going exploring into that puddle if you don’t care about the clothes.
* Don’t be in a rush. . . The more time you have to just relax and go with the flow, the more likely you and your child are to make new discoveries.
* Don’t take toys! . . . Your child will be heaps more creative with their play and their surroundings if they don’t have toys to distract them.
* Explore and enjoy alongside your child. . . follow your “inner child” instincts! If you want to roll down that big hill . . . ROLL DOWN THE HILL THEN!
* Celebrate even the most simple discoveries. . . Ashton loved the feeling of the gravel as he swished his hands over it, and also discovered that it made a pretty cool sounds when he slid his feet over it too! So we all took a minute to make music with the gravel!
* Don’t be scared of yucky stuff. . . it all washes off! Just keep some wet wipes handy!
* Take time to just sit and watch, listen, smell, touch. . . You will be surprised at what you’ll discover when you activate all your senses.
* Have FUN! . . . Make up stories about the animals, insects or trees. Ask the children what they think they will see before you go in to the bush walk. Sing songs while you’re walking. Take photos while you go!
Some people may think its a lot of work to try and organise a bush walk. But IT’S NOT! Just find a walk and go! Your child will guide you and dictate the rest of the walk. It’s just up to you to facilitate and extend their discoveries as they happen. Ask them questions, share your knowledge with them, celebrate discoveries and get excited with them about all the wonderful things nature has to offer!
Do you have activities or tips for making bush walks or nature outings exciting? What is your family’s favourite outdoor activity?
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