Nature Walk-Family Legacy

My mother encouraged a love of nature in me as a child.  She encouraged us to play outside, to get dirty, and to explore.  She trusted us to be safe and to act sensible, but didn't need to hover over us.  Some of my fondest memories are playing across the corn field in the stream in the woods both with friends and by myself for hours at a time.  Her trust helped me to trust myself and built confidence in my ability to explore my world. While my mom took us on hikes, she would point out various things of interest with a sense of awe in her voice.  She helped me appreciate the beauty all around. 

I want to do the same for my daughter.  I want to nurture her inquisitive little spirit.  I get the privilege of seeing the world fresh through her eyes and I get to imagine and remember what "new" feels like.  This week we have been going on a lot of nature walks.  My desire is to play outside every day as the weather permits.  Once things warm up, I want to try to have us outside at least an hour every day.  Playing in the fresh air develops strong and hearty children.

We went to a stream this week and for the first time I allowed Hannah to explore it.  She did not run into or even splash her hands in it as one might expect.  She sat down next t

o it and observed it and played with rocks.  And tasted the rocks!  After many minutes, for a one year old, she stuck a little finger into the water.  Then ignored it and played with rocks.  Eventually she stuck both hands into the cold water exploring how it ran over the bridge.  She discovered slime and old leaves.  By the time we left she had developed the confidence to crawl into the water and was exploring everything from her new perspective.  I l
ove how simple it is to enrich my daughter's world and to pass this legacy on to her.