changes by coloring them in and by adding the flowers that grow at its base or the birds and squirrels that live among its branches.
Older kids can add more informa-
tion, such as where the tree originated, its general lifespan and what it’s used for. “You can also carry along a camera to record things you encounter on your walks,” advises Friend. “Then, help your children assemble a scrapbook of their walking adventures.”
Into the Wild
Vacations are another opportunity for family walking adventures. Have kids research the area you’ll be visiting before leaving home, and plan walking routes ahead of time to make the most of your vacation. Remember, though, that huge expanses of wilderness can be intimi- dating, especially if you’re not even two feet tall. “Short trails are good for small kids,” counsels Friend. “Make it an adventure by picking a topic before you head out. If it’s butterflies, for example, have your child point out what they notice when they encounter one.”
Make it a Quest
Don’t discount the mysteries and magic of your own backyard. Especially when children are very small, walking around the seemingly vast universe right out- side their back door can be the source of some pretty great adventures. Hang a birdfeeder and learn the names of the birds that come to visit. Chart the sea- sons with their comings and goings, as well as the changes in the nearby plants and various trees. Older children can be in charge
of their own garden plots; strolls to and from watering and caring for them can be a slow excursion to examine the rocks and insects along the way. Just be sure you’re ready to answer questions about everything you see.
Poet, screenwriter and author Debra Bokur looks forward to her daily medita- tion walks in the Colorado Rockies. She is a contributor to Mindful-Mama.com, a healthy parenting community. Her lat- est Web-based project is NextPlaneMedia.com.
April 2010
19
Healthy Living
EXPOS
8th Annual
www.HealthyLivingExpos.com
SM
321-777-6433
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40