A Winter Walk

This time of year it is easy to find excuses to stay inside. It's cold, snowy, and the sun sets so early in the evening. Many families get in the routine of coming come from school and going straight to the T.V., computer, and video games. It is easy to increase your 'screen time' without really thinking about it.



My kids may complain at first about going out in the cold but once they are out exploring they don't feel the cold anymore. They are running around and next thing you know they are taking off their hats, gloves, and even wanting to take off their coats.

It doesn't take much time for a child to discover a fun new game once they are surrounded by nature. A stick quickly becomes a writing tool, sword, or a magic wand. Animal tracks in the snow lead to many questions about what kind of animal passed through here, what they were doing, and where are they now.

We are lucky to live on the edge of town where the current lack of development has left a few open fields just a short walk out of our door. You don't have to make a weekend trip to a National Forest just a stroll down the street, a trip to the neighborhood park, or an afternoon in your own backyard can lead to a really fun time for children and hopefully a connection to the nature they discover.

Occasionally they discover things that don't belong in these open spaces such as trash or even a discarded car tire. The questions my kids ask about how and why the trash was left in this open field lead me to believe that humans naturally know right and wrong about littering but some adults forget the importance of these natural places as they grow up. The chance to have these conversations with our children are priceless.

Make a commitment to yourself to get your children outside this winter even if only for a short time. Remember, you can always rush in for some hot cocoa. I guarantee it will be worth it.

~Andy