I always knew that when i became a mother i would go out of my way to try and make sure that my child was not a little monster obsessed with tv, video games etc but rather someone who appreciated and even enjoyed the great outdoors. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are the ones playing outdoor with friends and cousins, acting silly in our make believe adventures. Seeing young children constantly cooped up inside their homes, glued to their tv screens or playing virtual games with friends sends chills down my spine. It just seems like this generation is losing out on something very special. Unfortunately the culture of children that played outside is gone and children’s everyday life has shifted almost completely to the indoors. As a result, spontaneous contact with nature is a vanishing experience of childhood.
In the recent years a growing body of research has shown that the natural environment has profound effects on ones well being. However today, with children’s lives disconnected from the natural world, their experiences are mainly shaped through the media. It is the sad truth that the virtual is replacing the real. Children of today do not have the understanding that nature exists in their own backyards and neighborhoods, which further disconnects them from the knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. Having said all that, I do however understand that its not as safe as it used to be for children to be playing outside. In today's busy lifestyle there are many factors which contribute to children's lack of interaction with the natural world.
Nonetheless I still think that it is up to to the parents to make the effort and give their children an opportunity to explore and consequently love the natural world around us. There are so many little things we can do. For example family outings can be an opportunity to explore the great outdoors. I personally love picnics and walks in the summer. After a Sunday spent in a country park i always feel re energised. During winter months there are other places parents can take their children, local zoo, farms or botanical gardens are only some examples.
A few weeks ago the hubster and I took our little monster to the Syon Park tropical Zoo. I can honestly say that if not more, then i definitely had as much fun as my little munchkin. It was an amazing experience as we made it just in time for the zoo's daily show and tell session, where parents and children are allowed to hold/stroke some of the animals. The team at the zoo was super friendly, making parents and children feel very comfortable the whole time. Most of the animals at the zoo are rescued from the illegal pet trade, private collectors or zoos and you get to hear a little about their rescue stories, during the show and tell session. The munchkin did not want to leave the zoo, she fell in love with the rabbits and the snakes. My personal favourite were the chinchillas.
Here are a few pics of our adventure:
In the recent years a growing body of research has shown that the natural environment has profound effects on ones well being. However today, with children’s lives disconnected from the natural world, their experiences are mainly shaped through the media. It is the sad truth that the virtual is replacing the real. Children of today do not have the understanding that nature exists in their own backyards and neighborhoods, which further disconnects them from the knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. Having said all that, I do however understand that its not as safe as it used to be for children to be playing outside. In today's busy lifestyle there are many factors which contribute to children's lack of interaction with the natural world.
Nonetheless I still think that it is up to to the parents to make the effort and give their children an opportunity to explore and consequently love the natural world around us. There are so many little things we can do. For example family outings can be an opportunity to explore the great outdoors. I personally love picnics and walks in the summer. After a Sunday spent in a country park i always feel re energised. During winter months there are other places parents can take their children, local zoo, farms or botanical gardens are only some examples.
A few weeks ago the hubster and I took our little monster to the Syon Park tropical Zoo. I can honestly say that if not more, then i definitely had as much fun as my little munchkin. It was an amazing experience as we made it just in time for the zoo's daily show and tell session, where parents and children are allowed to hold/stroke some of the animals. The team at the zoo was super friendly, making parents and children feel very comfortable the whole time. Most of the animals at the zoo are rescued from the illegal pet trade, private collectors or zoos and you get to hear a little about their rescue stories, during the show and tell session. The munchkin did not want to leave the zoo, she fell in love with the rabbits and the snakes. My personal favourite were the chinchillas.
Here are a few pics of our adventure:
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