25 Mar 2009
Although I am an advocate for the environment, it doesn’t mean my kids have any special advantage when it comes to liking or disliking the outdoors. They are normal kids -- they LOVE electronics, TV, video games, and computers.
Because our society is so tech- and urban-oriented, it's been hard for me to get my children interested in the outdoors and in nature. But I know that the more they appreciate and understand their natural world, the more they will likely want to care for it and make choices that improve and maintain it for the future. So here are some tips on what has worked for me, and what might work for you:
Bring nature indoors -- Several years ago my sister introduced my family to fish. She brought over a little 10-gallon tank and a few goldfish. Since then, the tank is bigger and we've got 4-year-old goldfish in there! Two of those fish have developed disabilities. I would have never thought fish could teach about nature and about compassion and responsibility, but they’ve done all of that.
Make your yard inviting to wildlife -- We are fortunate in that we have a home with both a front and back yard. Living in the Los Angeles area we have lots of local wildlife -- squirrels galore, crows, pigeons, butterflies and bees. Since we have so many squirrels in the area and my children see them everyday, my daughter decided she would put out water in a little bowl for them. We now have several squirrels who come every day to drink out of that bowl. Because my daughter sees wildlife in her life, she cares enough to care about them.
Take your children into nature -- throughout our children's lives we have subtly introduced them to nature by taking day trips or vacations to places that had nature-type getaways. We're not campers. But we like going on short hikes, going to the beach, visiting arboretums and botanical gardens, and spending time at state and national parks. We feel that these experiences have opened our children's eyes and helped them to see beyond the latest hip-hop phenomenon.
Terra Wellington is a national media personality and actress and her latest book is The Mom's Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins at Home (St. Martin's Press). She also writes at her blog www.momsandtheplanet.com.
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