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APRIL 2021
Reduce Your Family’s Food Waste
Social Media Can Enrich Teens' Lives Tips for Environmental Education
Cats and Autism Easy Earth Day Cookies Raising Kids Who C re About the Planet
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contents table of
A pr il 2021 v o lu me 2 5
n u m b e r 12
in every issue 4 6 8 14 15 23
Editor’s Note Herding Goofballs Very Special People
on the agenda
Finally Forever
19 The List:
Cyber Savvy Mom
8 Things to Know About Earth Day
Take Eight with Les Stroud
bites 16 DIY: Make Your
21 April
Own Grass Head
17 Nutrition: Reduce Your Family’s Food Waste
18 Goose’s Goodies:
Earth Day is Thursday, April 22
Adventures: Family-friendly Spots for Enjoying Spring
Earth Day Cake Mix Cookies
14
features
10
New research points to health benefits of cats for children with autism
Project Learning Tree encourages families to get outside and connect with nature
11
A Massachusetts mother-daughter duo have penned Brave Maeve to help kids cope with COVID
12
How to raise children who become good stewards of the planet BAYSTATEPARENT 3
Spring is here. It is a season of renewal, rebirth and hope. Longer, warmer days draw us outdoors to enjoy and be inspired by nature reawakening. I remember well our first pandemic spring. During those early days of lockdown, when anxiety was high and the walls were closing in, we escaped outside for long walks through neighborhoods, down bike paths, along wooded trails and over rocky beaches. I recall how quiet the world seemed without the noise of traffic, the bustle and hum of prepandemic life. What we did hear, louder and clearer than ever before, were the birds in full throat, the peepers on the ponds singing their rhythmic songs, the squirrels chasing one another, rustling through last autumn’s leaves and up and down trees. Beautiful and emboldened, nature 4 APRIL 2021
was making itself known and enjoying the great outdoors, while people were stuck indoors, baking bread and piecing together puzzles. “I wonder if the birds are wondering where all the humans are,” I asked my husband during one of our strolls. Now into our second pandemic spring, we’re still walking outside everyday and in all kinds of weather. The gym has been open for months, but we haven’t been back and I realize our daily treks have been more for our mental health than our physical well-being - although that’s surely another benefit. As is an important lesson we’ve learned through a year of COVID. The pandemic forced us all to slow down, to stop and smell the roses, to open our eyes and ears to the beauty of nature all around us. And it’s a gift we can and should share with our children. Joan Goodchild touches on this very topic in her article (page 10) on Project Learning Tree, a non-profit group that offers free online resources to educate and excite kids about
the natural world. Founded to build youth awareness, knowledge and appreciation for the environment, Project Learning Tree offers activities that help children
make informed decisions and take personal responsibility for sustaining the environment. And there are other benefits too, according to PLT manager Jennifer Byerly. “Early experiences with the natural world excite children’s imaginations and foster their inborn sense of wonder and curiosity— important motivators for lifelong learning,” says Byerly. From toddlers to teens, whatever age your children are, it’s never too soon to start encouraging environmental stewardship. Raising the next generation of environmentalists (page 12) begins by simply getting outside and encouraging them to explore, says Martha Gach, the Worcester-based Education Manager and Conservation Coordinator for Mass Audubon. “We need to create earth stewards. None of us are going to be around forever
and we need to develop the next generation,” Gach said. “It’s important for parents to encourage their children toward those outdoor experiences that will help them form ties to the environment.” To that end, Mass Audubon offers thousands of programs and activities throughout the year at its wildlife sanctuaries and nature centers across the state. The Trustees of Reservations does so too at its 120 properties, meaning there are many ways families can spring into environmental action this month. Take a look at our list of April adventures (page 21) — including Earth Day events — and get out there! — Alice Coyle
We’re Wide Open
Spring Outdoors March 20 - June 20 and joins us for a season of adventures!
National Heritage Corridor
Visit TheLastGreenValley.org or call 860-774-3300
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Herding
Goofballs
The right stuff BY JOSH FARNSWORTH
parents out there, there is nothing specifically “wrong” with the following “stuff,” but know these are certainly the last gifts to consider for your baby registry...
W
hen you first hear that you are about to become a new parent, you have a few initial reactions. There is shock, excitement, panic and joy — and that is just the first five minutes. Those are the most significant thoughts. Once those wonderments start to settle into your nowoverloaded brain, practical questions and conclusions start to appear. One of those conclusions: you are going to need stuff. Baby stuff. Little kid stuff. Luckily for new parents in 2021, if there is one habit pandemic living has reinforced it is this: we have unprecedented access to stuff. That stuff. This stuff. All. The. Stuff. I don’t think enjoying
6 APRIL 2021
stuff was ever in doubt, but with social distancing becoming so important, we also made sure to bring the stuff to us via delivery services both large (hello, Amazon, my old friend), specific (I can get a calzone to my porch in 15 minutes. Go ahead and tell me we live in a drab age. I dare you!) and downright bizarre (delivery of a single potato with text or a photo of yourself added as inspirational or a reminder of how amazing you are). I am not expecting any new babies in my life, but recently got extra curious about what stuff exists out there for parents now. Most products available make sense and seem like genuinely amazing gizmos or are funny prankish gifts your obnoxious relative might send you. And then there are the ones that leave me with questions. Mostly, “Why?” It can be confusing out there for new parents on what to and what not to purchase. I can help. For all the new
BABY PERFUME I am not talking about the gentle wafting of lavendersmelling lotions. Plenty of companies produce top-of-the-line, expensive perfumes and colognes that look like they come straight from designer catalogs. Many come packaged in authentic, hard glass perfume bottles to impress all the other babies visiting you. Do most newborns have hot dates these days? Some of them have Frenchsounding names, so you and your child can presumably condescend to others and correct everyone’s pronunciation of these elite products. Also, some can set you back hundreds of dollars. Babies smell. Powder and lavender lotions. That’s your move. THERMOMETER MONITORING SYSTEM For those of you craving a little more unsettling panic in your life, let me introduce the baby thermometer outfitted with a 24-hour fever monitoring device that has attachments to attach straight to your bundle of joy’s armpits. If the prospect of a feverish baby isn’t enough startle in your life, you’ll be happy to know that flashing lights and sounding alarms start blaring at the first moment of
a slightly high temperature. Babies get temperatures. Certainly buy a thermometer and pay attention, but maybe cut your blood pressure a break. SELF-PUSHING STROLLER Maybe I just forget all the exhaustion of late-night rocking a kid to sleep. Targeted for those who live in fairly hilly terrain (I see you, Worcester County), the electric-motor strollers automatically propel your child forward as they link to your smart devices. Some of the descriptions on these contraptions’ wheels, suspension, motor, etc. read like you are at an auto dealership. One such setting allows the baby stroller to match your speed while jogging. I guess you could dress up your child as your personal trainer to motivate you to keep running? Babies aren’t heavy and these strollers aren’t cheap. BUM BRUSH Any combination of words I use here will drive you away (not just from my column, but perhaps parenting in general for the squeamish). Speaking of gross, your kids will be super gross. I feel it is a mandatory rite of passage that when little Johnny needs you to care for those stinky regions, you dive in. As previously stated, babies smell. And a brush will not save you from that. TACO-SHAPED BABY BOOTIES Look, your kid can’t walk for a while and has no appreciation of Mexican cuisine.
That said, they are hilarious. I take it back. Buy these booties and see if they have slippers in a size 11.5 for me. BABY BODY MOP Shopping for baby clothes can be a joy and filled with lots of questions about particular brands. Apparently, some brands also offer your child up as a cleaning method. These baby body mops are soft-bristlehaving onesies that allow for a scrubbing and buffing of your floor while your child attempts to crawl and have tummy time. That has to be uncomfortable crawling on top of an awkward looking mop, right? I guess the floor will be clean enough to eat all that spilled cereal off now. You got this. Whatever you choose for your stuff, I hope you find it useful — or at least amusing enough during what will be a busy time in your life filled with shock, excitement, panic and joy. We all need levity at times, especially these days. And to all the new parents out there in 2021: congrats! I wish you and your growing family a happy and healthy life, because that is the only stuff that really matters. You’re going to do amazing. I’ll send you a potato to remind you of that.
Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of goofballs Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and awardwinning writer and columnist living in Worcester. He can be reached for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@ yahoo.com.
BAYSTATEPARENT 7
cyber savvy mom CyberSavvy Mom: You note that there is a great disconnect in how students and parents talk about technology and social media. What have you found and what’s behind this disconnect?
The kids are alright: Parental perception of social media is wrong New research finds it has a positive impact on students’ lives BY JOAN GOODCHILD
W
hile many of us happily log on to Facebook and Instagram and share parts of our lives daily, many parents are also concerned about their kids and their social media use. For several years now we have navigated many confusing and alarming messages, including: social media is dangerous, and kids can be victims of predators, social media is bad for self-image and self-esteem, social
8 APRIL 2021
media use can ruin a child’s reputation and harm their chances of college acceptance or employment. But some encouraging new research finds its time to stop fretting so much about these things and relax. There is a disconnect between how parents view social media and how tweens and teens view it – and, it turns out, it is not nearly the pressure cooker that we fear it is. Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute, an organization
that seeks to empower students and their role models to navigate social media and technology in healthy, high character ways, recently surveyed more than 5,000 students at TSI’s partner schools and sent many of the same questions to their parents. The data finds a very different take on social media and its place in daily life. CyberSavvy Mom spoke to Tierney for details on the survey, and what we parents can learn from it.
Laura Tierney: In my work helping families around the country navigate social media, I have the unique advantage of being “in the trenches” with both students and parents - sharing new insights, learning about their experiences, addressing common challenges, and asking probing questions. Actively listening powers so much of what we do at The Social Institute and it’s been eye-opening to hear from the two different groups. Students and parents don’t see social media in the same light. For students, it’s just a part of life. It’s how they socialize with their friends and learn about the world. For parents, it’s often viewed as this separate mysterious entity full of perilous dangers and warning signs. We recently surveyed over 6,000 students from our partner schools and we asked students to tell us what they wish adults knew about social media. By far the most common response was something along the lines of “it’s not all bad.” We also surveyed parents and asked them many of the same questions we asked students. We asked both groups the question of
A large number of students wish adults knew “it’s not all bad” when it comes to social media.
how often students talk to parents about their online experience. We found that students were over four times more likely to say that they “almost never” talk about their experiences on social media compared to what their parents reported. The bottom line, parents think they talk frequently with their kids about what they’re experiencing on social media, but students say otherwise. CyberSavvy Mom: As someone who writes about digital parenting myself, I think social media often gets a bad rap as being a wholly negative influence for kids. You say that’s not really true. How is it a positive thing? Laura Tierney: Social media and technology are tools that can be used to do great things. High schoolers and middle schoolers are using their devices to strengthen their reputation, encourage and inspire others, seize collegiate and career opportunities, start movements, support causes, and send supportive messages to someone they see being bullied. Their devices are their voices. For them, there is no difference between being social and using social media. It’s easy to fall into the habit of scaring students about the pitfalls of social media, but I believe there’s a better way. Just as a coach teaches players what to do
on a field or court, The Social Institute coaches the skills needed to successfully navigate this new world by modeling positive behavior and spotlighting positive role models. We encourage parents and educators to do the same. Let’s empower and equip, rather than scare and restrict. CyberSavvy Mom: You mentioned that many parents think social media creates pressure to be perfect, but that is not what you have found in your research. What have you discovered there? Laura Tierney: That’s right. Contrary to what many parents believe, the majority of students we polled say they don’t feel pressure to create the perfect life online. In fact, when we asked this question of middle schoolers (an age-group known for being self-conscious), only 10% said they felt pressure to project a perfect image on social media. It’s a big reason why “outtakes” often appear alongside the perfectly posed shots — students want to show off their fun side. They also enjoy having Finstas (“Friends-only” Instagram accounts) and back-up TikTok accounts where they can be lighthearted, share their outtakes, and project a more authentic version of who they are. Do some students feel those pressures? Of course, and our mission includes game-planning to help students handle those
pressures. But for the most part, the majority of students don’t feel pressures that many adults just assume are standard across the board. CyberSavvy Mom: You have also heard that parents think their kids will jeopardize their chances of getting into college because of content in their social media footprint. Another misconception as you point out. Can you explain? Laura Tierney: This is always a big a-ha moment for parents — and typically a big relief. In a 2019 Kaplan survey, a majority of college admissions officers said it’s fair game to check applicants' social media, but most reported that they are more likely to find something that bolsters a candidate's profile (38 percent) rather than something negative (32 percent). High school students can use social media to showcase their talents and set themselves apart. We encourage high schoolers to create LinkedIn profiles, since LinkedIn results are nearly guaranteed to show up on page one when someone
Googles your name. Search Engine Optimization isn’t exactly top of mind for most when preparing students to put their best foot forward, but maybe it should be. Again, it’s about teaching students to use every tool at their disposal and that’s why we coach students to create winning, forward-thinking bios. In a recent partner school survey, we asked 94 rising high school seniors if they had a LinkedIn profile and only eight of them said yes. So, we see a huge opportunity to flip the switch on the notion that social media can ruin, rather than enhance, reputations. CyberSavvy Mom: I think so many parents struggle now because they have watched their children turn their social lives to online forums and they think that is a bad thing. Do you have any words to alleviate that fear? Laura Tierney: We all know that socialization is vital for the healthy development of tweens and teens, and social media is how students today socialize. While past generations would go to the movies or mall,
today’s students connect with each other on social media. As I mentioned earlier, for them being social and using social media are one and the same. I think once we reframe it in that way, parents see that social media can be a productive and healthy outlet, as long as it’s balanced with in-person socialization as well. That last part is so crucial. We aren’t advocating for students to go spend their lives on social media, we’re helping families find positive solutions for striking a healthy balance. CyberSavvy Mom: As you note in your recent column, social media is here to stay. So what are your top best practices for families for realistically navigating it now in a healthy way? Laura Tierney: My best advice is to huddle, not helicopter. A recent study in the Journal of Adolescence found that teens who believed their parents were snooping on them shared less information than teens who felt their parents were respecting their space and boundaries.
Common Sense media found that students spend 7.5 hours per day consuming media.
Do you have a question or a story suggestion for Cyber Savvy Mom? Contact me at joangoodchild@ cybersavvymedia. com. It’s still important to provide supervision, of course, but don’t be sneaky about it. Let them know exactly what the rules are and how you will be monitoring so it doesn’t feel like a secret invasion of their privacy. Next, keep the lines of communication open by talking about how your child is using social media and technology. Just like you would ask them about their school day, ask what’s been happening on social media. Ask who they’re texting with, who’s in their Best Friend list on Snapchat, who they’re talking to when gaming. Ask to “friend” and follow them on social media. Even before COVID, a study by Common Sense media found that students spend 7.5 hours per day consuming media. Factor in 8 hours of sleep and that’s essentially half of their waking hours. Finally, create a family tech contract that all family members adhere to -- including parents! This way, you help each other live up to high standards. Our Family Social Standards Agreement™ is a great template that families can use. Social media can enrich our lives if we use it right. We can inspire tweens and teens to make good choices online and in real life by keeping the lines of communication open and holding each other to high standards. BAYSTATEPARENT 9
Spring is the perfect time for an
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Project Learning Tree encourages families to get outside and connect with nature BY JOAN GOODCHILD
W
ith warmer weather starting to emerge and longer days on the horizon, most of us who have been cooped up inside for the winter are bursting to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. After a year of quarantine, getting outside is critical to our mental health. On top of the cold weather, lockdown orders have kept us inside more than usual – without as many opportunities to socialize to get through the tough winter months.
10 APRIL 2021
Jenn Luke, a Shrewsbury mom of two, says the season has felt particularly hard this year and she is thinking of creative ways to get outside more often. “I think it’s important for kids to play outside more due to the pandemic,” said Luke. “Since so many kids
are engaging in remote learning, the amount of screen time they have is increased tenfold. It’s great to be able to take a break and get outside, whether it be for a walk or bike ride. Although it has certainly been challenging in the cold weather.” There are lots of resources parents can check out to find fun and engaging activities to do with children outdoors. One non-profit, Project Learning Tree, offers
many free resources online for using environmental surroundings to teach kids and get them excited about nature. “It is more critical now than ever that families find ways to get outside,” said Jennifer Byerly, a manager with Project Learning Tree. “Taking children outside regularly to explore nature helps them get physical activity, connects them to the real world, and improves their performance at school.” Like Luke pointed out, as many children have transitioned to remote learning, ever-present screen time has increased and they are less exposed to nature, missing out on the many proven benefits for improved mental and physical health at a critical time of development. Founded to develop youth awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the environment, Project Learning Tree emphasizes activities that help kids make informed decisions and encourage them to take personal responsibility for sustaining the environment. The PLT website offers a wide range of activities for many ages and settings. For example, their suggested activities for walking in the forest guides families and learning groups through suggested ways to get kids thinking about different types of trees, various kinds of seeds and plants, and the distinct
characteristics of certain ecosystems, like fields and streams. “Early experiences with the natural world excite children’s imaginations and foster their inborn sense of wonder and curiosity—important motivators for lifelong learning,” says Byerly. PLT recently released a Seeds to Trees Pocket Guide focused on connecting children ages 3 to 6 to nature through sensory experiences and handson learning outdoors. It includes some of PLT’s most popular early childhood activities that encourage young children to learn about the natural world around them using their senses, the seasons, and neighbor-hood trees. Activity suggestions in the guide include a ”shape hike” in which kids are encouraged to find shapes on walks outside – much like a game of I Spy. The activities are easy for young learners, require little preparation, and no special supplies. Exercises in the guide are designed to work well on their own, or collectively. So, with warmer days in front of us, head outdoors. Any outside space will work – both urban and rural settings have trees, grass, plants, sights and sounds worth exploring.
After a year of quarantine, getting outside is critical to our mental health.
‘BRAVE MAEVE’ penned to help kids cope with COVID pandemic
A
Massachusetts motherdaughter duo, Roxy Leeson and Katie Leeson, have written a children’s book to help parents, teachers and caregivers talk about life during a pandemic with young children.
“Brave Maeve” uses examples from four-year-old Maeve’s day-to-day life with her mom and favorite stuffed animal to explain what life was like before the loss of normalcy caused by COVID-19.
Through the story, the illustrations by Nick Hausman, and questions posed to the reader, the book encourages young children to talk to grownups about the ways COVID-19 has changed their lives, how they feel about those changes, and identify the people who are
working to keep them safe and happy. “It arose out of the pandemic,” Maeve’s mom Katie Leeson said. “It’s such a unique time for all of us. We felt like we needed to find a voice that spoke to resiliency and explain the response to the pandemic in a way that feels safe and secure.” Katie and her mom, Roxy, noted that a number of really good articles were written last spring for adults on how to cope with COVID, how to organize your life while working at home and homeschooling your children, and what to say to children. But, they said, no one had written a book just for young children. “We know that just because a child isn’t talking about their COVID experience doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about it,” Roxy said. “We also know that young children are magical thinkers. If they don’t have an answer to a question, they will think one up. Often, their answers are either incorrect, worse than
“We felt like we needed to find a voice that spoke to resiliency and explain the response to the pandemic in a way that feels sa fe and secure.” MAEVE’S MOM, AUTHOR KATIE LEESON
Left to right: Katie, Maeve and Roxy Leeson
the reality of the situation, or place themselves as the perpetrator. We hope this book will be a healthy conversation starter for adults and children.” The story begins with, “My name is Maeve. What’s your name? I live in a yellow house with my mom and my favorite stuffed animal, Margaret. What color is your home? I’m four-years-old. How old are you?” The story continues with Maeve exploring topics such as schooling and social distancing along with her favorite stuffed animal Margaret. “We have seen so many things well written for adults but to unlock a conversation with her age group, about how she might be feeling, we had to put it in her world view,” Katie said. Roxy of Natick and Katie of Belmont wrote the book as a conversation starter for some of the emotions Maeve may be experiencing and to provide a memory of the time she’s living through. “We like to think that young children can live in a bubble protected from fear, anxiety, and sadness, but they can’t. Life happens to young children too, including COVID-19,” Roxy said. Roxy has been an early childhood educator for over 40 years – teaching, directing, and consulting to preschools across Massachusetts. A graduate of Wheelock College, she directed a preschool for 25 years and also volunteered
“We like to think that young children can live in a bubble protected from fear, anxiety, and sadness, but they can’t. Life happens to young children too, including COVID-19.” AUTHOR ROXY LEESON
at the Boston Medical Center program, “Good Grief,” which helps children to process grief and loss in healthy, ageappropriate ways. “Young children don’t yet have an emotional vocabulary. Instead, they talk to adults through their behaviors, habits, art, play, and more,” Roxy said. “As the adults in their lives, we need to encourage and listen to all of their attempts to talk to us. As we do, we validate their feelings and can begin to teach them the words that describe their feelings.” Katie, Maeve’s mother and one of Roxy’s two grown daughters, is a health care professional living the pandemicinduced work-from-home life with her vibrant preschooler. The book is illustrated by artist Nick Hausman, of Belmont who is a father to a preschooler and kindergartener. Hausman’s children went to nursery school with Maeve. Katie said when she learned he was making a career change from biotech to art and illustrating the book was a logical connection. BAYSTATEPARENT 11
RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
ENVIRONMENTALIS S
I
BY DEBBIE LAPLACA
n today’s climate, it’s hard to miss environmental news about the human impact on our planet. And while the alerts on water and soil quality, deforestation, and loaded landfills seem to have taken a back seat to the threat of climate change, the burden of each, and more, will be passed to our children. So how do parents, educators and mentors raise the next generation of environmentalists? Raising the stewards of our shared ecological future needn’t be a chore. Whether it’s in your backyard or a local park, environmental awareness begins outdoors. “With the very young kids, just go outside with them. Take them to a place where they can safely explore,” Martha Gach said. “Let your toddler lead the way and let them show you what they are interested in. Teach them how to look at things, how to explore, and how to protect creatures, and you’ll have a newfound
12 APRIL 2021
environmentalist.” Elementary school aged Gach is the Worcesterchildren in the Worcester based Education Manager & Public Schools are introduced Conservation Coordinator for to environmental curriculum MassAudubon. from the start. MassAudubon, founded Luke Robert is the Principal in 1896, protects more than at May Street Elementary 38,000 acres and hosts more School, which educates than a half million visitors children from kindergarten at its wildlife sanctuaries through Grade 6. and nature centers each He shot and shared a year. It also offers thousands series of videos for his of programs to more than students titled, “Mr. Robert’s 225,000 kids and adults Naturehood.” annually. “When the pandemic “We need to create earth started, I thought: what stewards. can I do to None of us are connect the “It’s important for going to be kids to nature? around forever parents to encourage I started going and we need their children toward on hikes in to develop areas where those outdoor the next our kids live. experiences that will All the sudden generation,” Gach said. help them form ties to there was “It’s important an explosion the environment.” for parents of people MARTHA GACH to encourage using trails their children everywhere, so toward those I started doing outdoor experiences that will a series on birds and flowers,” help them form ties to the Robert said. environment.” He posted the video to the In addition to raising school’s Facebook page and the keepers of our longin response, students began term environmental goals, posting selfies of themselves Gach spoke of the many out in nature. more immediate benefits “Being in the inner city, to children’s health and these kids often don’t wellbeing. associate their world with “When you’re outside nature,” he said. “I tell them pursuing a healthy and active nature is all around you, it’s lifestyle, you’re developing in your yard, it’s a flower, creativity, imagination, or a bird at a feeder, a hawk as well as developing circling above.” problem solving and risk As for advice to parents, management,” she said, Robert said, “I think part of adding, “You’re developing a it is just showing how you child’s curiosity and you’re respect the environment also teaching them to be by recycling where you adaptive and resilient.” can, and getting out on the
trails. We’ve got a lot of great local resources that people don’t even know about.” For those with middle schoolers, we have Erin Anderson, a Grade 5 math and science teacher at Charlton Middle School, who exposes her students to the human impact on water, soil and air. Her students are required to do research in their community and develop concepts for reducing our impact on those resources, such as designing their own composter. Anderson’s advice to parents with this age group is to involve them in local Earth Day cleanups. “If you act locally, it affects everything globally, it all adds up,” she said. “Encourage them to do things at home or at a local level. Even if done on a small scale, it affects the whole system.” Anderson’s yearn for developing environmentally active citizens has spilled out
of the classroom and into the community. Working with Charlton officials, she acquired a grant that was used it in 2009 to turn the rural community’s modest Earth Day cleanup into a full-blown festival on the Town Common. It has grown each year since. That is until COVID-19 restrictions cancelled the festival booths, games, prizes, and shows last year and will do so again this year. Have a high schooler? Benjamin Estabrooks teaches advanced environmental science to students of 10 central Massachusetts towns at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton. His advice for engaging your teens in environmental concerns is to include them in the decision making on household choices, such as rubbish disposal, clean food, and energy. Gach, Robert, Anderson, and Estabrooks agree that environmental losses and gains have been made during the pandemic and it’s important to find ageappropriate ways to teach children the differences. On the positive side, COVID has helped the environment by momentarily decreasing pollution because people are driving less, and factories were shut down for a while, Gach said. It has also benefited MassAudubon’s work as nothing heightens an appreciation for the outdoors other than being outdoors. “With more people getting outside where it’s safe to be in the virus, it shows them how important those
outside spaces are,” Gach said. “Not just to drive someplace an hour away but to have that space in your community; close by. People are seeing that it’s important to protect those spaces.” Yet, Gach said, the impact of COVID has caused harm in that some of the outdoor spaces are being “loved to death.” Further, the pandemic has cut back MassAudubon work with volunteer groups, such as the cancellation of its Earth Day cleanup last year. Robert agreed with Gach’s assessment. “I think COVID hurt based on the trash issues,” he said. “I think it’s helped in that people aren’t traveling as much, less cars on the road, people are getting out more and understanding that are all these outdoor venues. I think a lot of people rediscovered outside.” No matter where you live in the state, there are MassAudubon programs for children of all ages: preschool stories hours, toddler walks, parentchild programs, and drop off programs starting after age 3. Parents seeking structured activities for their children will find a series of videos and resources at www. massaudubon.org to guide and inspire, such snow sculptures for the birds, iceberg river races, and for the weatherinduced indoor days - making pinecone bird feeders.
For more on “Mr. Robert’s Naturehood,” visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Zc5-bXJuDLU
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very
special people
Cats may help increase empathy, decrease anxiety for kids with autism BY BYLINE?
A
s a former school nurse in the Columbia Public Schools, Gretchen Carlisle would often interact with students with disabilities who took various medications or had seizures throughout the day. At some schools, the special education teacher would bring in dogs, guinea pigs and fish as a reward for good behavior, and Carlisle noticed what a calming presence the pets seemed to be for the students with disabilities. Now a research scientist at the MU Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, Carlisle studies the benefits that companion animals can have for families. Although there is plenty of existing research emphasizing the benefits of dogs for children with autism, Carlisle’s newest study has found cats may help increase empathy while decreasing separation anxiety for children with autism. The findings can have beneficial implications for families considering adopting a companion animal for their child. “Previous research has shown parents of kids with autism are more stressed than parents of
ite ebs minars w r t ou g se Visi comin up for
kids with any other disability,” Carlisle said. “If a family is considering adopting a companion animal, we want to provide the best evidencebased information possible so they can make an informed decision, and cats might be more beneficial than dogs to some families.” In the study, families that had children with autism aged 6-14 were monitored after adopting a cat into their
home. The cats were screened for temperament to ensure they were calm and a good match for the family. Not only did the families report an instant bond between their child with autism and their new cat, but the bond remained strong over the course of time, and the child’s anxiety decreased over time. “We found the main benefit of these companion animals is their unconditional acceptance,” Carlisle said. “Some children
We’re Here to Help Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help with:
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Contact Meredith H. Greene, Esq. at mgreene@fletchertilton.com
Watercolor by Peter Graves
14 APRIL 2021
WORCESTER | FRAMINGHAM | BOSTON | CAPE COD | PROVIDENCE 508.459.8000 | FletcherTilton.com
with autism may have sensory issues or be sensitive to loud noises, so a cat may be an appropriate, comforting pet for some Although there is families due to plenty of research their calming emphasizing the presence.” benefits of dogs for Helping children with autism, families make this newest study has the best choice found cats may help for their kids increase empathy has motivated Carlisle’s while decreasing research with separation anxiety for companion kids with autism. animals, and the study’s findings highlight the benefits of humananimal interaction. “As a former pediatric nurse, I have always strived to help children, and one thing I learned is that you need to involve the parents so they can make informed choices for their children,” Carlisle said. “I see pets as a way to enhance wellness, and it feels gratifying to provide assistance to families that have a lot on their plate.”
finally
forever
April’s Child: Meet Mariyah
Hi, my name is Mariyah and I have a contagious laugh! Mariyah, 9, is a playful girl of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian descent. Those who know Mariyah best would say she is helpful, bright and very caring. She has strong communication skills and is a great advocate for herself. Mariyah has a wide variety of interests which include arts and crafts projects, dance classes, puzzles, and reading. In school, she is very social and has made quite a few friends. Mariyah is legally freed for adoption and would do well in a one or two parent family. If there are other children in the home, it is recommended that they are high school aged or older. Mariyah would do best
in a home where there is previous parenting experience. The placement should also have a predictable and consistent schedule for Mariyah but also maintain flexibility. Interested families should be open to maintaining visits and contact with Mariyah’s birth parents and siblings. Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.
The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for. To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at (617) 964-6273 or visit www. mareinc.org.
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diy
Earth Day DIY Celebrate Earth Day with this adorable Grass Head
Easy and eco-friendly, this super cute Grass Head is a fun way to celebrate Earth Day with kiddos. They’ll have fun decorating the face, watching the “hair” grow, and giving it a trim.
You’ll need • Nylon stocking • 2 tablespoons grass seed • Potting soil • Plastic yogurt container (or other small recycled cup) • Decorations and embellishments (googly eyes, paint, markers, buttons, craft paper, etc).
How to make it an
Cut off about 8-inch section of the stocking that includes the toe.
Spoon the grass seed into the stocking toe, and cover with potting soil. (Stretching the stocking over a large cup or mug can make this part a little easier.) Tie a knot to close the end, leaving the excess fabric hanging. Decorate to create a face Glue on googly eyes, draw on a mouth, etc. You can make a bulbous nose or ears by pinching a bit of soil and fastening with some thread or a rubber band. 16 APRIL 2021
Decorate the cup Saturate the grass head under running water, then place it in the yogurt container, filled halfway with water. Let the nylon tail dangle in the water to serve as a wick. Place your
Grass Head on a windowsill or somewhere with plenty of sunlight. Be sure to check the water level in the yogurt container every day, keeping it at least half full. “Hair” should sprout in about a week.
nutrition
How to reduce your family’s food waste
E
ach year, nearly 40 million tons of food is discarded by Americans. Equating to more than $161 billion, food waste accounts for approximately 30-40% of the U.S. food supply. While cutting down on food waste reduces methane emissions from landfills and conserves energy — preventing pollution involved in the growing, manufacturing, transporting and selling food — it can also save you money by buying less food. Here are a few ways to reduce wasted food, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
2
STORAGE
Store fruits and vegetables for maximum freshness; they’ll taste better and last longer, helping you to eat more of them.
q Find out how to store fruits and vegetables so they stay fresh longer inside or outside your refrigerator. q Many fruits give off natural gases as they ripen, making other nearby produce spoil faster. Store bananas, apples, and tomatoes by themselves, and store fruits and
1
vegetables in different bins. q Prevent mold by waiting to wash berries until you want to eat them. q Freeze, preserve, or can surplus fruits and vegetables — especially abundant seasonal produce.
4
PLANNING Make a list with weekly meals in mind. You can save money and time and eat healthier food.
3 PREPARATION q Keep a running list of meals and their ingredients that your household already enjoys. q Make your shopping list based on how many meals you’ll eat at home. q Plan your meals for the week before you go shopping and buy only the things needed for those meals.
q Include quantities on your shopping list noting how many meals you’ll make with each item to avoid overbuying. q Look in your refrigerator and cupboards first to avoid buying food you already have, make a list each week of what needs to be used up and plan upcoming meals around it.
Prepare perishable foods soon after shopping. q When you get home from the store, take the time to wash, dry, chop, dice, slice, and place your fresh food items in clear storage containers for snacks and easy cooking. q Befriend your freezer and visit it often.
THRIFTINESS Be mindful of ingredients and leftovers you need to use up. q Shop in your refrigerator first. Cook or eat what you already have at home before buying more. q If safe and healthy, use the edible parts of food that you normally do not eat. q Plan an “eat the leftovers” night each week. q Casseroles, stir-fries, frittatas, soups, and smoothies are great ways to use leftovers too. BAYSTATEPARENT 17
goose’s
goodies
Earth Day Cake Mix Cookies With just three ingredients, classic cake mix cookies couldn’t be easier to make, and this planet-inspired version couldn’t be cuter! Kids will love rolling up these little cookie globes as a sweet way to celebrate Earth Day.
Ingredients 2 boxes (15.25 ounce) yellow or white cake mix 1 cup vegetable oil, divided 4 large eggs Green and blue food coloring
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, cream together 1 box of dry cake mix, ½ cup vegetable oil, two eggs, and blue food coloring until smooth.
What are you waiting for? Join the thousands of followers in more than 180 countries.
In a separate bowl, cream together remaining ingredients to make green dough. Pull a few small pieces from each color of dough and roll them into a ball with your hands, about two tablespoons. (If dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes.) Place balls on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until set. Let cookies stand on cookie sheet 2 minutes before removing to cool on a wire rack. Laurie Silva Collins, known affectionately as Goose by her grandkids, is a nurse, mother and grandmother who is happiest when she’s in the kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loves. She learned to cook from her parents, and has perfected her recipes over the years while raising three daughters… and spoiling seven grandchildren. 18 APRIL 2021
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on the
agenda
It’s Earth Day’s 51st birthday! The first Earth Day held April 22, 1970 was marked by peaceful demonstrations by some 20 million Americans in support of environmental protection and reform. It sparked the political change needed to create the EPA and the passage of landmark legislation including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and the Endangered Species Act. In the five decades since it was first celebrated in parks, on streets and college campuses across the U.S., Earth Day has become a global event feted with festivities and events in more than 192 countries. With the global COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, this year’s celebration will again be digital with participants invited to come together for three days of climate action to learn how we can Restore Our Earth. For those who can’t wait for Earth Day, check out the 51 ways you can help today. Here are eight more things to know about Earth Day.
the list
8
things to know about
BY ALICE COYLE
1
Former Wisconsin Governor, Senator and Earth Day founder Gaylord A. Nelson stands in a prairie of blooming wildflowers at Governor Nelson State Park in Waunakee, Wis. in this 2001 file photo. Photo/Tom Lynn
Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in the United States. In recognition of his hard work, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award in 1995.
Nelson wasn’t the only one with the idea. A year earlier, peace activist John McConnell had pitched a plan to honor the Earth and “give peace a chance” at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. McConnell proposed the celebration for March 21, 1970 - the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. A month after that, Nelson’s Earth Day began as an environmental teach-in.
2
A crowd of more than 20,000 observing the first Earth Day at Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park includes a little girl wearing a “Let me grow up!” T-shirt. AP Photo
3 Environmental Advocate Denis Allen Hayes, the coordinator for the first Earth Day and founder of the Earth Day Network, made the annual celebration global in 1990. For his efforts, Hayes earned the Jefferson Awards Medal for Outstanding Public Service and was named “Hero of the Planet” by Time Magazine in 1999.
A Pace College student in a gas mask smells a magnolia blossom in City Hall Park in New York City, on Earth Day, April 22, 1970.
A crowd gathers on Library Mall in Madison, Wis. to celebrate the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. The day’s events included a march up State Street to the Capitol, a street fair and educational seminars. Photo/Michael Sievers
4
Judy Moody works in a poster-filled office of Environment TeachIn, Inc. in Washington, D.C.. The organization coordinated school activities for the nationwide observance of Earth Day, April 22, 1970. AP Photo/Charles W. Harrity
On the first Earth Day in the U.S., 2,000 colleges and universities participated, along with 10,000 primary and secondary schools. Today, many communities and schools expand the holiday to an Earth Week celebration. BAYSTATEPARENT 19
5
Popular Earth Day activities include planting trees, picking up litter along roadways and waterways, cleaning up parks and signing petitions for a better environment and better planet.
Peter LeDoux and daughter, Celine, 11, of Marshfield, clean up along the North River in April 2014 when several volunteers across the region pitched in to pick up litter. Credit: Gary Higgins/The Patriot Ledger
Jill Kelley, of Scituate, cleans up near the 3A North River Bridge, in Scituate. Dozens of folks take part annually in the NSRWA clean up of the North and South Rivers in various South Shore towns. Gary Higgins/ The Patriot Ledger
6 By 2010, Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, more than 1 billion people were celebrating Earth Day worldwide. Some remarkable international Earth Day efforts include: 100,000 people riding bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel; the planting of 28 million trees in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network; and in Panama, planting and maintaining 100 endangered orchid to prevent their extinction.
Sylvia Schuler of Hingham picks up litter near the 3A North River Bridge, in Scituate. During a North and South River Watershed Association clean up day on the South Shore. Gary Higgins/The Patriot Ledger
Last year’s theme was climate action and due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Earth Day Network asked people to “join in a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.” During the 24 hours of Earth Day, the digital landscape was filled with global conversations, calls to action, performances, and video teach-ins.
20 APRIL 2021
This year’s Earth Day theme Restore Our Earth will be digital again and held over three days, April 20-22. The event kicks off April 20 with the global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising, in collaboration with My Future My Voice, OneMillionOfUs and hundreds of youth climate activists. On April 21, Education International will lead the “Teach for the Planet: Global Education Summit.” Wrapping up events on Earth Day, April 22, EARTHDAY.ORG will produce its second Earth Day Live digital event; a multi-hour multi-channel livestream including segments taking place around the world starting at noon Eastern Time. Workshops, panel discussions, and special performances will focus on Earth For more on 2021 Day’s Restore Our Earth theme, Earth Day events visit which examines natural processes, emerging green technologies, and www.earthday.org/ innovative thinking that can restore earth-day-2021/ the world’s ecosystems.
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11
APRIL ADVENTURES family fun things to do this month
Habits of the Rabbit
Sunday, April 4 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan Member adult, child: $10; Nonmembers adult, child: $13. Hop over to the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary to learn why rabbits have such big ears and what they like to eat besides carrots. Families will explore the meadow and forest seeking tracks and signs, play rabbit games and learn interesting rabbit habits. This program is for children ages 5-12 with an accompanying adult. Pre-registration is required and groups are limited to 11. Participants are required to wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines. Visit massaudubon.org
Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru
Thursday-Sundays through April 18 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough / $45 per car Round up the kids and get revved up to see a larger-than-life showcase of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and legendary vehicles in the Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru experience at Gillette Stadium. Families will experience more than 50 life-size vehicles including Hot Wheels favorites Tiger Shark™, Demo Derby, V8 Bomber™ and Bone Shaker®, plus the original monster truck BIGFOOT®, and the world’s tallest monster truck, BIGFOOT#5. The Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru delivers an immersive and exciting experience for the whole family, enjoyed from the safety of your own car. For a complete schedule and additional event information, visit hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com/event/foxborough.
Easter Nature Quest
Friday, April 2 and Saturday April 3 1-4 p.m. at Francis William Bird Park, Walpole Member adult: $2, child $6; Nonmember adult: $4, child: $8 Enjoy spring at Bird Park with an interactive Easter Nature Quest in which families follow the bunny trail searching for eight signs of spring. Using a quest guide, participants learn about some of the park’s flora and fauna and gather clues to
Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Sunday, April 11 7-9 a.m. at Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary, Fitchburg Member adult: $10, child: free; Nonmembers adult: $14, child: free. Practice your birding skills while exploring the Central region. Search for resident birds and returning spring migrants. Improve your visual ID and birding-by-ear techniques. Birders of all skill levels welcome. Ages 12-16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Bring binoculars, dress for the weather and wear sturdy waterproof shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Registration is required. Visit massaudubon.org
Vernal Pool Mysteries Spring Egg Hunt Trail
Peter Rabbit’s Pizza Party and Easter Egg Roll
Friday, April 2, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; 12:30-2 p.m. ; 2-3:30 p.m. at Powisset Farm, Dover Member adult: $8, child: $12; Nonmember adult: $16, child: $24 Celebrate the Easter Holiday at Powisset Farm with an oldfashioned Easter Egg Roll. Children will compete rolling wooden easter eggs both in speed trials and on a slalom course. Each child will receive a prize for participation! When children are not rolling eggs they will enjoy a special Easter craft. There will be delicious farm fresh brick oven pizza available for purchase, as well as beverages and sweet treats. Visit thetrustees.org
figure out a secret message and find their way to the Easter Bunny. Each participant receives a bag of candy as a reward for completing the quest and photos with the Easter Bunny are welcome. Pre-registration is required for this event which is recommended for ages 2-8. Visit thetrustees.org
April 3,4, 15-19, 12-2 p.m. Long Hill, Beverly Member adult: free, child: $9; Nonmember adult: free, child: $15 Celebrate spring at Long Hill on the Spring Egg Hunt Trail. Follow clues along woodland trails and through the apple orchard on this familyfriendly scavenger hunt in search of the golden egg and a chocolatey surprise. This springtime celebration is held over two weekends in April, including the school vacation week, and engages families with the wonders of spring blooms, photo opportunities, and nature. Space is limited and pre-registration required. Visit thetrustees.org
Saturday April 10, 17 and 24, 2-4 p.m. at Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton Members: adult, child: $25; Nonmembers: adult, child: $30 Vernal pools are mysterious temporary bodies of water that are homes to frogs, salamanders, and even fairy shrimp and may be one of the best places to study the health of nature in Massachusetts. Learn more about these “wicked big puddles” by exploring a vernal pool at Blue Hills. Registration required. This program is part of a month-long celebration of Earth Day, the nature of Massachusetts, and climate action. Visit massaudubon. org/earthmonth
Sheep Shearing Day
Sunday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m. and 12-1:30 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough Member adult: $20, child: $12; Nonmember adult: $25, child: $15 Ewe won’t want to miss Sheep Shearing Day at Chestnut Hill BAYSTATEPARENT 21
Farm. Come see the sheep getting a spring trim and meet the new lambs. There will also be fun and educational demonstrations of sheep shearing, sheep herding and spinning, food and drinks and a craft for kids. Registration closes two days prior to the event. Visit thetrustees.org
Fruitlands Fairy Forest
April 21-25, 11-4 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard Member carload: $5; Nonmember carload: $15 Don your wings, grab your crowns,
and come play in the Fruitlands woods during School Vacation week. Visitors can build fairy and gnome houses around the Willard Archeological site along the yellow trail at Fruitlands Museum. Collect natural materials and build a house for the Fruitlands fairies and gnomes, then leave your house for the sprites to enjoy and other guests to see as the fairy forest grows. Register online to receive a digital DIY Fruitlands Fairy Forest Activity Kit (including map, fairy wand craft tutorial, storytime reading, and more) prior to your visit. Visit thetrustees.org
Wild for Wareham: Great Neck Volunteer Day
Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day), 5-6 p.m.: Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Wareham Free Lend a hand to Mass Audubon staff to make the sanctuary more welcoming to humans and wildlife. Volunteer activities include trash pick-ups, trail improvements and installing bird boxes. This program is suitable for ages 10 and up, preregistration is required and groups are limited to 11. This program is part of Mass Audubon’s month-long celebration of Earth Day, the nature of Massachusetts, and climate action. Visit massaudubon.org/ earthmonth
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Friday, April 30 7:309:30 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard Member: $15; Nonmember: $25 Stroll the trails to find out WHO might be out and about. Join local naturalist and educator, Laurie Nehring. The program begins at sunset with a short outdoor, socially-distant presentation, learning about nocturnal animals and how to call in the owls. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up and will be capped at 10. Pre-registration required. Visit thetrustees.org
22 APRIL 2021
Take Eight
Les Stroud From surviving a -50F degree night in northern Canada to munching on grubs in the Australian Outback, Les Stroud’s passion for the outdoors has driven him to some of the planet’s most remote locations. The inventor of the survival TV genre, Stroud, aka “Survivorman” and a dad of two is beloved for navigating (and filming) his own solo wilderness survival expeditions on a hit show that ran for 18 years.
Stroud says surviving in the middle of the Amazon jungle is much easier than parenthood!
What inspired you to create a book for children?
Teaching and adventuring with children has always been a big part of who I am/was as an outdoor guide and educator. Even my work that is ostensibly for adults such as the TV series Survivorman was still very appropriate for kids and young adults and the fan requests would often be overwhelmingly from children. Case in point I would receive photos of kids dressing up as me for Halloween.
Were you adventurous as a kid?
Yes and no. I certainly wanted to be, however the culture of my family, my neighborhood, my school and area was not one that promoted ‘outdoor adventure’ very well, if at all. However the desire was in my blood and so I would be content with finding adventure in a local field or creek.
Kids can be pretty fearless, especially when it comes to nature and the outdoors. How do we teach them about danger without extinguishing their boldness? First we must learn and be realistic about the dangers ourselves. Too many adults pass their own, often unsubstantiated fears, onto our kids. They see us afraid of something benign and they figure they should be afraid too. This is a problem because then all risk is mitigated which often nullifies the wonder of adventure. Being realistic and showing them where the true and real dangers are will embolden them to properly assess a situation and make intelligent determinations about whether or not to proceed or withdraw. Allowing them to experience controlled risk monitored by experienced and skillful adults keeps them safe while expanding their confidence.
You have two adult kids, a son and a daughter. What lessons from survivorship and adventure helped you most through parenthood?
Really it was more about all the wonderful opportunities adventuring and surviving gave me to connect with nature and feel grounded that kept my head in the right space for being as solid as I can be as a parent. That said, surviving in the middle of the Amazon jungle or the middle of the frozen Arctic is much easier than parenthood!
What are your top survival tips if you are stranded with your kids? Remain Calm Practice your Zones of Assessment Determine a plan of action Determine and distribute roles to each person Make your move when all is safe to do so
You’ve been to crazy places. Where would you suggest a family go to get a taste of that wildness, without risking their lives?
The closest park to them. There is great adventure in city parks. There is great adventure in suburban parks a little farther out. And there is great adventure in parks a longer drive away.
What kind of survival skills should we make sure our kids know? Remaining calm (yes that’s a skill). How to assess the dangers and advantages of any situation. How to make an informed decision on what to do. Fire starting Signalling
What else – besides life skills – do children gain from learning wilderness survival? Perspective.
Stroud just released his first children’s book, “Wild Outside: Around the World with Survivorman,” taking young readers into his world of “Survivorman” wilderness adventures with fast-paced stories, nature facts, and practical advice for spending time outside whenever they may be. In addition to Stroud’s personal accounts, Wild Outside features kid-friendly activities with call-out boxes on how to safely observe wildlife, use a compass, signal for help, build a wildlife blind, track weather patterns and pack a survival kit. The book shows readers that adventure awaits everywhere — whether in a jungle, a backyard or a city park — proves that the outdoors is a fantastic classroom.
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