It’s the time of the year when being out “in nature” is appealing, even to the normally non-outdoorsy types. (Note: there are some folks, like the man I married, who are militantly anti-outdoor; I’m not talking about his kind.) The gentler angle of the September sun, a bit less heat and humidity, and the fact that the kids have been cooped up in school for a few days conspire to get people out of their houses and into the woods – or the park, at least.
The appearance of these nature novices can be alarming to the true lovers of the forest, soul mates of the trees, friends of the little creatures of nature; and they can be startled – and annoyed – by the presence of interlopers who do not properly revere the sanctity of Nature . . . (Insert derisive snort, here.)
This person summed it up, albeit rather gentler than some:
The field was quiet and empty, the lovely sounds of the babbling creek, birds softly chirping……………Then comes the Loud Family. “Linus stop that, Sissy don’t eat THAT. Come here, come here, come here, now! Where did you drop the ball? Put THAT down, yuck!!!…………………” Ah yes a beautiful day at the creek.
I get it. I understand the desire for a quiet visit with a favorite brook, tree, or rock. Yes, there are noises that can take out of the moment, BUT – and this might be shocking news – children are little creatures of nature, too.
It is hard for kids to learn how to appreciate nature, especially if their parents spend most of their energy scolding the exuberance out of them. While we crave the peace and sanctuary that it offers, we must remember that it is critical for kids to learn to truly love the beauty of nature. If we don’t share nicely – if we jealously guard our “peace and quiet” – when we are gone, so will be the wilderness . . . because no one will have learned to care. No one will have been raised up to love Nature as we do.
Ooooh . . . listen. Is that the sound of the suburban pre-school warbler How beautiful to see one in a wild habitat!
Scorched Eyebrow Studio 