Newsletter

“I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.” Anne Lamott

Spring is blowing on a breeze through the window and calling us to go outside and explore. Did you know that the air quality inside our homes is often more toxic than the air outside? According to the EPA, indoor air pollutants can be found at higher levels than in the air outside. This is a solemn thought considering many children spend most of their days indoors! It is time to take advantage of the beautiful weather outside and get some fresh air.

A great way to start building in time for fresh air is to plan a family walk before or after dinner around the neighborhood. Even 15 minutes of time in the great outdoors can lift the spirits and bring peace to the soul. While you walk, encourage sensory exploration and discussion of the world around you. Stop to look at a bug crawling on the sidewalk, listen to a bird chirping, smell a flower, or touch some leaves on a tree.

As adults, we are too quick to rush past the simple and look to the end goal. Remember that children learn through exploration using all of their senses. Slow down and let your child take the lead. Ask them questions about what they are observing and you might be amazed at how much you have ignored when walking through your neighborhood.

If you want to go outside of your neighborhood, many local nature preserves and state parks offer guided tours that can help parents know how to do a sensory walk. They are great venues for children who need a peaceful environment as participants are encouraged to walk quietly. Many of the state parks and nature preserves also have ADA friendly paths in order to allow all abilities to find the joy and peace that being in nature can bring.

Botanical gardens, zoos, and sculpture gardens are additional resources for outdoor enjoyment. They are often planted with a multitude of flowers and trees, and have additional layers of sensory exploration that can be enjoyed during all seasons of the year. While the entrance fees can be pricey, it can be a nice treat for once in a while or look into a yearly membership. Yearly memberships are often the same cost or less than a family of four attending twice in a year and offer perks such as, free parking, extra member only hours or events, etc.

Can’t leave home for a walk? What about bringing nature to your patio or porch? Small gardens, wind chimes, bird feeders, and prisms can excite the senses without leaving home. Include your children in choosing outdoor items that can beautify your outdoor living space. A great resource for creating your own sensory garden or potted garden is www.planetnatural.com/sensory-gardens/ in which, many species of plants are listed.

Ultimately, it is healthier to get outside in nature than always staying inside and Spring is the perfect season to enjoy the warmer weather. Sunshine is restorative to the soul but even a light rain shower can bring new scents and awareness of our world. Get outside, breathe deeply, and slow down to enjoy each other and the world around you.

Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov to learn how to build healthy, balanced plates for you and your family. ChooseMyPlate.gov is a great tool to utilize when trying to incorporate a healthy amount of vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins and dairy into your family’s everyday diet. The website also provides various exercise tips and techniques as well as advice on how to eat fewer calories everyday.

Plan to eat more home-cooked meals as a family. Eating out can be expensive and many foods can be prepared healthier and cheaper in the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing better than cooking a delicious healthy meal as a family.

Happy Spring!

- Jordyn Ruiz

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