It’s no secret that children are highly digitalized in our day and age. I’m not even going to say that that’s bad because there is no stopping technology and progression; it’s just part of our world now. By age 4 Waylon already knows how to use a laptop, iPad, and iPhone. Instead of feeling like a bad mom and comparing myself to those that just say no to screens, I’m going to say that it’s alright for my family. It’s alright to teach my children about technology with limits and boundaries. Like everything in life it is the balance of it all that matters. I try to balance the amount of screen time with a healthy dose of outdoor activity and play. When collaborating with the ethically minded brand “Neve and Hawk“, I decided to shoot their fall clothing line in my favorite green house “La Costa Greenhouses“. I frequently take my boys here to run about and pick out plants for our home. I hope all the green and oxygen benefits them like it does my need for a new house plant. All this goodness got me thinking… “how can I help my children learn to love our earth?” I came up with the following tips that are relevant to our time. I hope you enjoy them and the photos of Neve and Hawk’s fall line.
- Have your children help carry your reusable bags to the grocery store and educate them on why it’s more important now than ever to say no to plastic. An estimated 300 million plastic bags end up in the Atlantic Ocean alone which has had a devastating effect on our sea life not to mention throwing off the whole environmental balance of our waterways. Plastic bags are hard to recycle and take hundreds of years to breakdown so now is the time for change even if it’s inconvenient. Have you kiddos decorate and color some blank canvas bags to take with you for your next grocery hall.
- Take your children to your local green house or home depot to pick out a plant. Try picking one that will do well indoors and put it in their room and encourage them to water and care for it.
- Visit a local nature preserve and document what their favorite plants, animals and bugs were.
- If you’re near the beach visit during low tide and see what sorts of sea creatures you can find. If you don’t live near a body of water visit a pet store or place where they sell fish and see your kiddo’s face light up at all the different kinds.
- Play outside with your kids. This is as simple as bringing a ball to the park and kicking it around outside enjoying the sunshine.
I think helping children love the earth will result in a love for all living things…win win!
*All clothing provided by Neve and Hawk and shoes by Freshly Picked.
xoxo,
2 Responses
I never ever regret spending time outside. It’s rejuvenating!
It so is and so many memories are made outside!