A Great Day in Nature: Follow Your Child's Lead

This weekend we were planning on a quiet day around the house. My girls were playing with a couple girls from the neighborhood when they came running into my office screaming, "Daddy, Daddy, can we have a picnic at the park?"

I wanted to get out and enjoy the nice weather but I wasn't quite prepared for a picnic. I thought I gave some general answer like most parents do just to put them off a bit. Something like, "Maybe later." The girls went in the kitchen made peanut butter sandwiches for all the kids, grabbed some strawberries, and found some girl scout cookies.

I was shocked to walk into the kitchen to see 4 girls holding a bag full of their packed lunch, a blanket, and a plastic ball and bat. They all had sunglasses on and were ready to go. Who was I to hold them back from their day in the sun. I grabbed the dog and followed the girls to the park.

I spend a lot of time planning hikes, snowshoes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities. I carefully assess the weather and pick the best trails and open spaces depending on the conditions. But I must say, it was a blast to just go along for the ride. The kids made the plan, picked the activity, picked the destination, and led the way.

I quietly sat in the grass as the girls played on the playground, ran around playing a 'dolphin tag' game, played Simon Says, ate a picnic lunch, and laughed till it hurt. When they were ready to go home I followed them back.

This was one of the most fun days we've had in a while. All I did was stay out of the way. I learned that sometimes you just have to let the kids take charge. If I had said we are going to the park for a picnic they probably would have moaned and said they didn't want to go. But when it is their idea it is all smiles and good times.