Several years ago, when my now pre teen daughter attended
Lifeways, she was lucky to be one of the first forest kindergarteners at
Lifeways. One spring day, probably about this time of year, I picked her up as
usual after lunch. She wanted me to take a walk in the woods with
her. I felt that it really was time to
go home and take a nap. Her persistence
and sincere desire to show me the forest won out and off we went down the path
surrounded by small blue flowers to the river. My 3 year old daughter led me on
a hike all the way to the troll bridge and showed me what amazing magical sounds
a stick made when dragging it across the metal bars. She showed me where the
fairies and gnomes hide, and how to make proper hot “lockichaw” with a stick stirring at the edge of the river. I was astounded that making “hot lockichaw”
was an enjoyable activity for 45 minutes for a 3 year old. Keeping a 3 year old busy at home by myself
was never so laid back. Needless to say
we began taking more frequent trips to the river for some peaceful enjoyment
together.
Now, several years later, we still occasionally take walks
in these woods as a family. Despite my childrens’ (now 12 and 7) protestations that “hike” is a four letter word, we
still go and most often they still enjoy it.
Perhaps some of your children have also taken you for forest
explorations. Some of the older children at Lifeways are certainly good forest
explorers. So, if you have time and
opportunity, maybe your child could take you for a hike to the troll
bridge. Definitely grab a stick and make
music together. You will be glad you did.
No comments:
Post a Comment