How not to squelch a kid's curiosity about nature

To cultivate nature connectedness, fuel curiosity and keep plants and critters alive, we made rules.

Most children are curious explorers, so you don't need to do much to cultivate their nature connectedness -- just take them outside! The challenge is more about how to get out of their way while keeping them AND the plants and critters safe.

Ick. Ew. Gross.

These are a few words adults say about nature -- in front of kids. I don't think we even realize it.

Did I love finding a snail on my kitchen ceiling? Or an entire nest of baby spiders, on a stick, in my living room? Not exactly.

To cultivate nature connectedness, fuel my son's curiosity and keep plants and critters alive, we have rules:

No snails in the house.
Worms can't do yoga.
No slugs in the hand (the sticky trail is impossible to get off).
Toilet paper can help relocate spiders.
Bees are fun to watch, not touch.
Ant hills are best observed from a distance.
Caterpillars need to be released to morph into butterflies or moths.
Ladybugs are heart-breakers. They will land on you and then fly away without a moment's notice.
Wasps and bees need space because they can sting.
Leave some snails behind to work in the garden and for other kids to find.

Don't get me wrong, I will let him swat mosquitoes!

Tools you may find useful:


Bug bungalow or a mason jar with air holes (much better than pockets)
Butterfly net
Magnifying glass
Dip net (to explore streams and ponds)
Tips from our 30×30 Nature Challenge (to inspire your outdoor explorations any time of year!)

How have you successfully taught the kids in your life about touching, holding and exploring nature safely?

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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