My two boys always benefit from a good walk around the block. It always seems to put them in good moods and it also helps mellow out their energetic rambunctiousness.
However, my kids aren't always eager to go on the walk. There is often another thing they'd rather do (such as anything that involves energetic rambunctiousness.) To sell them on the walk, I advertise it as a nature walk. [more]
The kids like to collect stuff on the nature walk. Picking up sticks, rocks, and dirty leaves makes the whole excursion more interesting and more exciting for them. So I let them do it.
But . . . left to their own devices, the kids will go a bit overboard. They'll fill our grocery bag with tons of stuff. And what parent wants to carry — let alone bring home — a bunch of rocks and muddy leaves?
So I have devised a solution — and this is the starting place for today's free, fun family activity. The rule is: the kids are each only allowed to have three nature items in the bag at any time. Therefore, they have to be very selective, and choose only their most favorite items from nature.
My kids will choose their three most favorite things. Or the three things that best show our environment. Or the three "yuckiest" things. It's all okay with me — as long as I don't have to carry too much stuff. And it really gets the kids thinking and evaluating in a different way. What criteria will your kids use to make their selections?
We hope your family enjoys today's activity. Enjoy nature, people . . . and leave most of it for others to appreciate, too!
