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CathinCoffeland
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| Posted: Oct 19 2006 at 12:28pm | IP Logged
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A long weird question-We have pretty unperdicatable weather in the northwest but i try to get my kids (5 and 2.5) out every day.
They like to do the typical worm poking leaf collecting rock tossing kids stuff.
here is my problem.
My mom was SO hypervigilant about germs/danger.
"dont touch the feather, birds are dirty."
"dont put muddy rocks in your pocket!"
"stay away from the water!"
"dont touch plants-they can be poisonous"
"dont jump in the leaves there could be spider/animals"
" DONT PLAY WITH STICKS - YOULL SKWEWER YOUR BRAIN!"
I could go on for hours  this was just in the yard/neighborhood -you should have heard her camping!
unfortunately whenever i take the kids out i find myself just cringing and getting upset and hear all these "warnings" in my head. I want them to explore and learn but i keep having the urge to put them in hazmat suits 
I remember playing at my grandma's house and getting filthy-her motto was "its just good clean dirt"
i want to be that comfortable.
I try to set realsitic rules. "No eating bird berries -we only eat berries/mushrooms from the market."(especcially after ds's poison control experince at a friends  )
"No running/poking others with sticks"
"have a grown up buddy by the water"
but im still nervous. My mom really scared me. In her defense i remember when i was young she found a baby in the canal behind our house. She did cpr but she only lived for a day or to. Also there was a little girl in my moms special ed class that fell on a stick while running when little and damaged her eye and brain.
I know they were freak accidents but my mom told the stories so many times that bad images flash in my head when i take the kids outside.
Do you have any suggestions for being able to relax and enjoy being outside with my kids (other than serious therapy  )
What kind of things do you enjoy doing-what if any precautions do you take?
thanks maggie
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Oct 19 2006 at 12:42pm | IP Logged
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WoW. What a shame to have all those negative thoughts and feelings running around your brain unbidden.
I think of it this way.
God made creation for us to enjoy and use. And it is GOOD. God said so.
Let go of the fears and TRUST God and your children's guardian angels.
The rules you have set out seem very reasonable and rational, unlike your mother's irrational fears (though admittedly understandable due to some tragic circumstances).
All I would add is that they wash their hands upon returning indoors.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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MaryMary
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| Posted: Oct 19 2006 at 1:38pm | IP Logged
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Maggie,
We must be sisters, separated at birth!
My mother was EXACTLY the same, and I'm still fighting to shake off all of the fearful messages about nature instilled in me from childhood.
Funnily enough, the remedy for me has been visiting blogs like Theresa's and MacBeth's. I am awed to see the lovely nature learning that takes place in these homes!
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Mary
Wife 2 1
Mum 2 four blessings on earth and two in heaven!
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vmalott
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| Posted: Oct 19 2006 at 3:56pm | IP Logged
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I think part of the reason we take nature walks is to learn about our environment, including what is safe and what isn't. These are good teaching moments.
Everyone who walks in the woods should learn to identify the plants that are poisonous to the touch...poison ivy being the most common with parts that are poisonous in all seasons. "Leaves of three, let it be" "If the vine is hairy, then it's scary." Learn the difference between the sumacs. If you have a tree or plant field guide, it should show you these poisonous plants.
Walking near the water? Either go prepared (change of clothes, wear boots) or suffer the consequences. Ha...I learned that one the hard way!
I am kind of picky about my kids walking with sticks they just picked up. We finally broke down about a year ago and got everyone some really nifty carved walking sticks. The sticks are tall enough that are not likely to fall onto them and skewer their brains. 
Let's see, what else? Oh, touching bird feathers and other interesting items (including amphibians, etc.), collecting muddy rocks in the pocket. Soap and water, or a box of wipes in your vehicle, are great. Having a container for collecting is great, also.
The key is to exhibit an interest in the things you do and discover yourself. The kids will pick up on that and learning about their environment will be enjoyable.
Valerie
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Valerie
Mom to Julia ('94), John ('96), Lizzy ('98), Connor ('01), Drew ('02), Cate ('04), Aidan ('08) and three saints in heaven
Seven Times the Fun
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marysjoys
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| Posted: Nov 22 2006 at 10:58pm | IP Logged
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On Long Island, you have to watch out for the tiniest of predators, the almost invisible deer tick, which is the carrier of the dreaded Lyme Disease.
After a lovely fall hike, we found dozens of these ticks on Gaby, my 13 year old who, thank Heaven, had jeans on that prevented many bites.
Some of my friends have had children get Lyme Disease, and if not caught in time can be quite serious.
Sorry,Maggie, I guess I sound like your (and my) mother!
Just wear long,dark colored, form-fitting pants and sleeves, and tie back your hair if you're in tick territory.
Keep hiking!
Leticia
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: How to relax about nature walks...
