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| An early visit to Sonnenberg Gardens |
In this world of ever-increasing technological dependence and proliferation, a necessary element and natural connection has vanished from too many of our young people's lives -- that is the contact and experience with Nature itself.
Numerous studies show that there are benefits to overall physical health as well as mental health and cognitive abilities in spending time in our natural, outdoor settings. No place is this more true than with our children. But sadly fewer and fewer children today are experiencing the joy and benefits of outdoor time. It is not, however, a difficult or impossible problem to solve.
My own children had outdoor experiences even before they could walk. They cooed and laughed at trees like they were telling the best joke in the world (true story) from strollers, arms, or blankets. When more mobile, they visited public gardens, playgrounds, and hiking trails on their own two legs. Over the years, they have helped in my vegetable gardens and they have played on swings. They raced along paths. They learned much botany and other natural sciences from me that has fanned the flame of their life-long love affair with science. They picked up colorful fall leaves and have built snowmen. They have hiked and fished. They have smelled the flowers. They have dug up fossils and skipped stones. They have learned to love and respect the natural world - which is so key to becoming good stewards of our planet.
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| A much later visit to Sonnenberg |
Take your children outdoors. Share with them what you love about it. You don't have to go far as public parks and gardens are just around the corner.
Share the joy of being outdoors and make memories that will last a lifetime.
