Keep it Wild: Support Group for Parents
I have a 9-year old (how is she 9!?!) who is in third grade. She is active. She loves gymnastics-like activities and sports, but could care less about dirt, trees, and would prefer to do almost anything other than hike. I love watching her develop her own personality and passions, and I do my best to encourage them. However, it is hard right now when wide open spaces, lots of air flow, and small groups (limited essentially to immediate family) are essential for safety. Hiking to me seems like the natural solution to boredom–, but not to my daughter.
So, I’ve been watching what she is interested in: mostly screens. She plays Roblox and watches TV sitcoms. Who am I to judge?. I want to escape, too. I’ve now watched seven seasons of the Amazing Race (just started the eighth), immersing myself in a time when people could go anywhere and do anything. All these little escapes allow us to feel a little sense of control or that things are kind of normal. So, I let her play her video games and watch TV, even after a long day of distance- school screen time. And to be honest, I’m out of ideas to make the outdoors interesting to her.
(Going outside to get some exercise and get away from the screens is a great way to play it safe during pandemic precautions)
It is my hope that we can chat and support each other…
… as we attempt to share our own wonder for the natural world with our children.
I hope to see you this weekend, November 15th at 2pm for our first meeting. If not this weekend, because it is kinda short notice, maybe in two weeks.
I’d like to end this post with one of my favorite childhood quotes that still strongly resonates with me by one of my heroes, Mary Stouffer: “…and until next time, enjoy our wild America.”
Aaron Wilson
Program Director, WEC
info@weltycenter.org
608-361-1377