"If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in." - Rachel Carson
In this day and age we are raising a generation that is more separated from nature then ever. A separation that has made us "inside" creatures, that has led us to a fear of the outdoors and that has fostered an unease with silence. A generation that is no longer part of the natural world around us, but lives in a virtual world of online communication, online shopping and online socialising, a virtual world where we can pretend to be someone else -- without being who we actually are. We are living in a world that places importance on going, doing and becoming.
In the next couple of weeks we will run, race, shop and hunt for presents and gifts. With the festive season upon us, we will be frantically browsing through toy catologues, online bargains and watching sales for the latest fad and newest gadget. But what do our children need most? Studies have shown that nature is important for our children's health. Our children today are out of touch with our natural world and they need us, the adults to teach them to love the nature around them. Childhood is the time to discover and enjoy the wonders of nature.
From the Children, Nature and You website:
"Allowing a young child to experience the natural world is not just a nice thing to do; it is their birthright, and is essential for their academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual development."
So when you are running around, trying to find that last minute gift, stand back for a moment and think about that one gift that only you can give. The one gift you can't buy in a shop, you won't find on sale, is not available online and will last long after the plastic toys have broken. That gift is YOU. Give the gift of YOUR TIME to your child and take them outside. Spend time with your child doing things that you love -- hiking, camping, fishing, beachwalks, stargazing, cloudwatching, bushwalks. Take your child outside, and let them pick up, touch and feel a prickly weed, a slimy worm, a hard rock. Let your child get their feet wet and their hands dirty. Show them how to be respectful to all living things.
"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives." - Thomas Berry
There are so many lessons that can be learned from being outside in nature, lessons that children can not learn from playing with the latest fad and newest gadget. This Christmas it is time to give the gift of lasting memories -- YOU.
Links
- Conserving land, preserving human health, by Howard Frumkin and Richard Louv (short version)
- The powerful link between conserving land and preserving health, by Howard Frumkin and Richard Louv (long version)
- Movement to reconnect kids with nature growing nationwide: Working to improve children's health, by the American Public Health Association
- Adding awe and wonder to children's lives, by Children, Nature and You
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