Okay people, get out there and do fall cleanup with your kids! Stop with the lawn services. (Unless you have a physical restriction of course!) Even the Hamptons are taking a stand according to an article in Dan’s Papers (funny article)! Besides the constant hum of lawnmowers and blowers all day everyday on beautiful fall/and even winter days, you are depriving your kids of a childhood right of passage!
Don’t you remember when you were little and jumping in piles of freshly raked leaves? The smell, the crunch, making leaf angels, dodging dog poops? How about the all important aspect of family bonding and teaching your children responsibility?
It gave us a chance to see how she’s grown and what new understandings she has developed about the world around her.
Okay, okay, I’m no expert. But I do know the importance of fresh air, family time and some discipline. I mean, it’s only helping your child become a stronger and more self-sufficient human. Not to mention they are learning about the earth and it’s wonders.
My little took this last raking opportunity to build birds nest with leaves, the rocks were eggs. Then she made giant birds nest for herself. She had a blast. It gave us a chance to see how she’s grown and what new understandings she has developed about the world around her.
Eggs? Nest? Leaves falling and coming back in the spring? Actually having hands on experience with those things really makes a difference. Those concepts will carry over into so many other things. Anyone knows that hands on experiences are priceless.
Outdoor time with our kids is good for the parents too, of course. All the running around we do on a daily basis, between the holidays and work and just keeping it together. Who doesn’t deserve a little break and fresh air in between all the responsibilities? Not all of it has to be drab. So go on! Go out! Have a blast with your kids. Your kids will thank you when they are older for all the memories and their success in life. (It does help make for a good night’s sleep as well!)
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