Children Learn to Appreciate the World From Their Parents

I probably get on my kids' nerves pointing out birds and flowers and trees, but I feel it is important that we teach them to be aware of the world around them. I don't want my kids to go through life with blinders on, thinking only about their own little world.

Yes, most parents teach their kids the difference between a basketball and soccer ball, but it needs to go much farther than that. We need to teach them the difference between a bluebird and a purple martin. Children need to learn to appreciate the natural world and the only way they will ever do that is if their parents teach them.

My mom pointed out every bird and tree and flower when I was a kid, and I still notice them to this day. That was helpful as a journalist because it made me more aware of what was going on around me - and it helps me as a living being who has a role in the cosmos. I'm not just an island floating through the universe; I am part of a much bigger system that works together in a delicate balance.

So, when a cardinal flies to the bird feeder, I make sure my children see it and hear its name. If it's a black-capped chickadee, I want them to understand that, too. If a wren is warbling its beautiful, but territorial song, I want them to know which bird is making that sound.

I don't know all of the flowers' names yet, but my mom does and I still ask her to identify them for me. A strange flower rose in our yard and I took a picture of it and emailed it to her. She got her books out and declared it must be a cousin to the bluebonnet. It has five leaves, though, like a star. It's still a mystery and we're still working on it.

Again, children learn to appreciate the world from their parents.

I've been battling the squirrels at the bird feeders. I don't mind them coming by for a bite, but they stay until all of the sunflower seeds are gone. So, I got a squirrel-proof feeder and watched to see what happened. The old feeder had been a hangout for cardinals, but I soon noticed that I never saw a cardinal sit on this new one. Finally, I saw a male cardinal hovering in front of the feeder in frustration. It wouldn't - or couldn't land on the wire mesh that kept the squirrels from marauding it.

I quickly put the old feeder back. I'll just have to feed the squirrels too, I guess.

There's a payoff for teaching our children about nature. When your child knows the difference between a magnolia tree and crepe myrtle, you feel good about it. When he calls an Indian paint brush by its name, you realize your love of the outdoors is rubbing off. When he is kind toward a small animal and not cruel, you know you have taught him that all God's creatures have worth.

Don't let your children go through life thinking the sun rises and sets on them alone. Teach them to appreciate the world around them. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings. Teach them the names of trees and flowers, birds and animals. Teach them that it's our responsibility to take care of our world. After all, we're only a mouthful of forbidden fruit away from paradise. Read the first part of Genesis again. God's idea of paradise is working in a garden, taking care of animals, and living in an innocent and happy family.

You can contact Craig Harris at www.apparentlyso.net.