Why should children explore? Because it is how they learn—it’s how we all learn!
Using our five senses to examine the things around us gives us insight into how they work, how they impact us and how we influence them. It’s the most effective way to gain information about the world around us, whether we are in our own backyard or on an exotic vacation thousands of kilometres from home.
Kids need to plunge their hands into dirt, listen to the bird chirping in the trees, jump from rock to rock, examine the sap leaking from a tree and pluck that berry off the bush to pop it into their mouth.
Watching our children explore in this way—this unplanned, unscheduled, unharnessed way—can inspire and enlighten us as parents as well. We appreciate the little things more and accept that we still have a lot to learn when we see their eyes light up as a ladybug takes flight off their finger or when they realize they actually like the taste of fresh peas from the garden.
Making sure we take time to explore with our children without boundaries, parametres or plans is imperative to building our bonds with them. When you think back on your childhood, what were your favourite memories? Most often, it is during an adventure of some kind. When you and your family discovered something you never experienced before.
There is a time and place for schedules, deadlines, homework and rules but there must also be a time for exploration, imagination, adventure and creativity. Don’t forget to let your children use their bodies and senses to investigate their world.
Encourage them by asking questions: What kind of bugs do you think live in that dirt? I wonder how many different birds make this area their home. How do you think those rocks got there? Why do trees have sap? What kind of other animals eat those berries? And then figure out the answers as a team.
Spending time together creates connection. Learning together strengthens your bond. Exploring together is what childhood is all about.
– Stacie Gaetz