Environment
For some, increasingly dense living in city environments means we have less access to nature. Cities and councils are becoming more proactive about establishing green areas and habitats for public use, recognising the mental, emotional and physical benefits of living in nature.
In Australia, we are blessed with wide open spaces and a diverse environment. Where possible we encourage you to explore with your family and connect with the amazing environments we live amongst.
The following are suggestions we've found beneficial and hope that you will too.
Encourage your child to sit quietly in the garden and look at the ants, the bees and all the insects. By looking closely at the ants scurrying around, finding food and carrying it back to their nest, children learn so much about life. The more you observe insects the more you understand about caring for the environment, collecting food, flying and living with nature.
Appreciate the beauty of flowers
Show your child the flowers, the different shaped petals and the beautiful colours and have them touch and smell each of the flowers. This builds an appreciation of nature and brings an awareness of their senses.
Look at the different plants
Walk with your child and show them the different shaped leaves, the variety of colours, and the different swirls on the branches.
Lie on the grass and look at the clouds
This is fun and relaxing. When you look at the clouds you can often see shapes of animals, people and all types of things. Have fun with it; play guessing games of what you can see.
See if you can move the clouds. Point your finger to a cloud and focus on the tip of your finger with the intention that it makes a hole in the cloud. Concentrate, watch and wait to see what happens.
Climb trees
Climbing trees does not have to be dangerous, nor does it have to damage the tree. By climbing trees children learn to take calculated risks about what is and isn't possible. Tree branches are wonderful places to sit as nature has a special way of making you feel happy. As an adult you will know which trees have safe, large branches and are easy to climb and you can stay nearby to ensure your child's safety.
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Page updated 22 Sep 2009
