“Many children today find it easier to stay indoors and watch television. I worry that children do not know what they are missing. Children cannot love what they do not know. They cannot miss what they have not experienced.”
- Mary Pipher, The Shelter of Each Other
photo credit: bestbib&tucker
As most readers know, I spend a lot of time talking about the many benefits of outdoor play and connecting children (and adults!) with nature.
But one of the benefits that I do not focus on frequently — although I believe to my very core — is its impact on our own behavior toward this beautiful planet we live on.
For children, this time in nature and connecting to its beauty and wonder is essential in helping them grow into caring, educated adults who understand that their individual and voting behaviors impact the planet and all the species that call it home, including their own.
Please take a few minutes to watch this powerful video on the call for a shift in our messaging about conservation efforts.
If you are a parent, grandparent, educator or caregiver, please make time in nature and celebrating its wonders a daily part of the lives of the children in your world. Not to teach them facts or because of a greater agenda, but simply to expose them to the opportunities that are waiting for them — to see, smell, touch, discover and marvel at.
The education will come in due time, but for now, the experience and the joy that awaits them is more than enough.
See ya outside! The Grass Stain Guru
Thanks, Bethe . . . this is such an important message to spread. I humbly offer a blog post from a few weeks ago where I develop some of the same ideas:
http://clarkbeast.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/love-comes-first/
Clark Meyer´s last [type] ..small people in big trees
Thanks, Clark!
Amen to that Bethe
31/2 years ago I moved from a large city to a country setting. Bringing my then, 13 year old son with me. I truly believed the experience of nature in this area would be good for him. He tells me otherwise. Then I read your blog today and it reminded me, the recognition will come in it’s own time. Thank you, I needed that.
RT @GoExploreNature: RT @balmeras Would love for U to read this: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #nature #playoutdoors
For the night shift: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP
RT @balmeras Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP ~ Love this Quote! Hope you share it with everyone that has a child!
RT @rshreeves: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP via @balmeras
“Many children today find it easier to stay indoors and watch television. I worry that children do not know what… http://fb.me/HNsurXXu
RT @CB4wildlife: RT @rshreeves: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP via @balmeras
Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #GoPlay #playoutdoors this weekend!
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Great post Bethe. As you know I am passionate about getting children outdoors exploring the “magic” nature has to offer. I feel hopeful for the future knowing so many like yourself care so much about connecting children with nature. I have just launched my new talk series addressing these important issues-Let’s Talk”. Would love you to guest on the show- possible podcast?
Marghanita Hughes´s last [type] ..Let’s Talk…Let’s Give Children Back Their Childhood
RT @balmeras: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #GoPlay #playoutdoors this weekend!
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RT @balmeras: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #GoPlay #playoutdoors this weekend!
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RT @littlehumbugs: RT @balmeras: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #GoPlay #playoutdoors this weekend!
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The whole reason I got into environmental education was because I was so passionate about the planet. I learned to like kids later
Thanks for the post!
Mel´s last [type] ..Top 10 nature sights I want to visit
Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #parent #kids #nature
RT @balmeras: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #parent #kids #nature
RT @balmeras: Home Is Where the Nature Is… http://bit.ly/aCSdrP #parent #kids #nature