It’s occurred to me that the older I get, the more content I am to simply be a spectator.
Don’t get me wrong: I never pictured myself as the soccer mom or camping enthusiast. Truth is, I’m kind of allergic to anything that isn’t labelled 4-star (it’s a real illness, I checked – it’s call “snobism”). However, I’ve noticed more and more, on the rare times we are outdoors as a family, I tend to hold back. I’d rather watch the action unfold than be part of it myself. And, having two energetic, boisterous boys… that means I’m often on the outside looking in.
This is not a post declaring that I’ve changed my ways.
Because I haven’t. Although we’ve had so much fun crossing items off our Rediscover Nature Summer Bucket List, I can’t say that I immersed myself in the activities much beyond being present for them. However, something did occur to me on #RediscoverNature Day; the realization that my boys HATE being a spectator. Being on the sidelines is a punishment; they always want to be part of the game, in the middle of the action. Whatever the activity, they need to be involved. And when it’s time for a time out, it’s not always pretty.
I captioned this photo, “He hates being a spectator.” It was taken during a hike in our local park on September 20th – #RediscoverNature Day.
When will it happen? When will they decide that they’d rather be tethered to their electronic devices than playing a game of freeze tag in the park? I’m not naive; I know the day will soon come. But it’s my duty to cultivate my boys’ love for the outdoors, and ensure they remain part of the action for as long as possible. Because statistically speaking, less than 10% of kids today are spending time in nature.
Did you take part in #RediscoverNature Day on September 20th? Using the #MyBanff and #RediscoverNature hashtags, don’t forget to share photos of your time in the great outdoors via social media. There are a few days left to WIN a trip to Banff National Park to experience Banff and Lake Louise with your family. You’ll also have a chance to win one of 10 Nature Valley Rediscover Nature Kits (value $50).
Maybe I’ll never be the sporty mom. But for now, I’ll do my best to nurture my boys’ love for sports, activity and the great outdoors. And maybe, along the way, I’ll rediscover nature myself.
Sad that only 10% of kids are enjoying nature, that really needs to change. I remember when I was young my parents had to drag me inside, if the weather was nice I was outside playing.
We live in such a great country, that it’s sad we don’t tend to take the time to appreciate it more.
Sometimes I miss back when I was a kid…less devices and more nature with loved ones.
What a great incentive to #RediscoverNature. How sad it is, as when we were kids we were happy to go outside and play and hike and bike and do all those wonderful activities that are now few and far between!
I love the #RediscoverNature initiative to get kids back outside! I miss the days when kids could run free outside with anyone worrying about them!
I miss the days without screens! Everyone now interacts within this one tiny little boundry! I hope things change while my two littles are still little!
Exploring nature is a top priority in this home!
So awesome to encourage outdoor exploring and enjoyment! Nature ROCKS.
Becase of my disability i dont get out much but the grandkids do hikes once a week in the summer,and the parents try to keep them outside as much as possible
We totally took part in rediscovering nature in September. We love to hike, so we are outdoors on the trails nearly every weekend
It’s good to be outdoors and offline and I think the younger generations don’t do it enough
Its up to us to teach them from young to love the outdoors but sadly many parents themselves are too caught up with their electronic devices………….
I’m lucky enough to live in a National Park so pretty well everyone spends time outdoors!
Exploring nature is so important for young and old alike.I have many bird feeders and love to watch them feeding their young!