Curious

[MissAnn]

Oh, I totally didn't mean to come across like you're pushing them. I know a lot of people use handwriting without tears and the kids love it.

And while I haven't noticed that kids don't like art/writing as much as kids used to, but I have noticed that a lot of kids don't like to be outside as much as they used to. I've also noticed that some kids have a hard time directing themselves in their own playing. I've had a few children that would literally just sit around or walk around during free play, not even knowing how to make a choice. Both of my recent kids that did that, though, wasn't as much because of electronics, but more so because the parents were very helicopter-y and always played with their kids and told them what and how to do things.

Yes...the outside thing......every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. Every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. another thing, every summer I have a mud day. A few years ago the kids were almost swimming in the mud. They were muddy from head to toe and had a blast. Every year it seems like they are more and more reluctant. The kids I had this year we're not around for last year's mud day. I showed them pictures and they were downright horrified and some said they don't want to come on that day! It just makes me so sad that kid so disconnected from outdoors and nature.

[Ariana]

Yes...the outside thing......every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. Every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. another thing, every summer I have a mud day. A few years ago the kids were almost swimming in the mud. They were muddy from head to toe and had a blast. Every year it seems like they are more and more reluctant. The kids I had this year we're not around for last year's mud day. I showed them pictures and they were downright horrified and some said they don't want to come on that day! It just makes me so sad that kid so disconnected from outdoors and nature.

It's because they have a negative association with it because their parents yell at them to not get dirty. I see it soooo much nowadays. Honestly the poor kids these days do everything under strict scrutiny of their parents. Do this, not that, stop it, play with this. I went camping with a friend and she was constantly telling her son what to do. "Go get a leaf for that bug, not that leaf, this leaf. Now cover it like a bed...thats right. Good job bud" meanwhile my daughter was running around shirtless with a stick and she was full of mud!

I took my kids down to the creek last summer and there was a lot of mud. My husband couldn't stand it!! He was so beside himself because they were getting full of mud. I had to explain why this was so important for them. I already felt guilty that they had to be with their parents instead of exploring on their own like I did as a kid so I sure wasn't going to stop them from playing and getting dirty for his sake!

[MissAnn]

It's because they have a negative association with it because their parents yell at them to not get dirty. I see it soooo much nowadays. Honestly the poor kids these days do everything under strict scrutiny of their parents. Do this, not that, stop it, play with this. I went camping with a friend and she was constantly telling her son what to do. "Go get a leaf for that bug, not that leaf, this leaf. Now cover it like a bed...thats right. Good job bud" meanwhile my daughter was running around shirtless with a stick and she was full of mud!

I took my kids down to the creek last summer and there was a lot of mud. My husband couldn't stand it!! He was so beside himself because they were getting full of mud. I had to explain why this was so important for them. I already felt guilty that they had to be with their parents instead of exploring on their own like I did as a kid so I sure wasn't going to stop them from playing and getting dirty for his sake!

It's too hot!
It's too cold!

I hear it from the parents.....apparently it has to be a perfect temp to enjoy nature.

[Unregistered]

Yes...the outside thing......every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. Every year the kids are more and more afraid of bugs. another thing, every summer I have a mud day. A few years ago the kids were almost swimming in the mud. They were muddy from head to toe and had a blast. Every year it seems like they are more and more reluctant. The kids I had this year we're not around for last year's mud day. I showed them pictures and they were downright horrified and some said they don't want to come on that day! It just makes me so sad that kid so disconnected from outdoors and nature.

In all due respect MissAnn, who the heck wants to clean their child up after a day of being in mudd? I'm surprised that is ok with child care regulations in your area.
The number one thing we are to be is "safe", and that includes everything that come into play with whatever activity we chose to allow the children in out care to particapate in. Not what we participated in during our childhood.
Your heart is in the right place...your job description is not.

[MissAnn]

In all due respect MissAnn, who the heck wants to clean their child up after a day of being in mudd? I'm surprised that is ok with child care regulations in your area.
The number one thing we are to be is "safe", and that includes everything that come into play with whatever activity we chose to allow the children in out care to particapate in. Not what we participated in during our childhood.
Your heart is in the right place...your job description is not.

Although unregistered I am sure you are a pot stirrer....in case you're not I thought I would assure you all is fine. I had a picture of my mud day put into a DHS magazine and my DHS lady asked to attend my next mud day. Getting in touch with nature.....even mud....is very much encouraged.

[Josiegirl]

Although unregistered I am sure you are a pot stirrer....in case you're not I thought I would assure you all is fine. I had a picture of my mud day put into a DHS magazine and my DHS lady asked to attend my next mud day. Getting in touch with nature.....even mud....is very much encouraged.

100# agree!!! Dig holes, move rocks, play in the mud and serve your mud pancakes to all your friends, pick wild flowers, watch bugs and touch but be respectful and careful, make campfires and pretend to roast marshmallows with sticks, get downright dirty, muddy, wet, you name it.
But then you've got the other camp that says don't touch the bugs at all, keep your clothes clean, and omg if you build with sticks someone will surely get their eyes poked out!
It's all about teaching respect, caution, wearing old clothes and constant supervision and COMMON SENSE. What better way to teach about nature than getting right into it?? Some things you just cannot learn from books.

[Josiegirl]

Oops forgot to reply to the original thoughts. IF children show an interest I pursue it. Usually at around 4ish. But it's always in a casual fun way. If we're playing outside I'll take sticks and make a letter, or draw one in the sand. If we're playing inside I find ways to do the same with materials we're playing with. I'm not a teacher. If they want to learn then great, we'll find ways to do it with fun and play at the same times so they'll start to recognize. If they ask, I'll give them markers and help. I'm here as an introduction, let's make circles, let's make lines, look you can make a balloon by putting those 2 together. Three straight lines make an A and that starts your name.

[childcaremom]

Oops forgot to reply to the original thoughts. IF children show an interest I pursue it. Usually at around 4ish. But it's always in a casual fun way. If we're playing outside I'll take sticks and make a letter, or draw one in the sand. If we're playing inside I find ways to do the same with materials we're playing with. I'm not a teacher. If they want to learn then great, we'll find ways to do it with fun and play at the same times so they'll start to recognize. If they ask, I'll give them markers and help. I'm here as an introduction, let's make circles, let's make lines, look you can make a balloon by putting those 2 together. Three straight lines make an A and that starts your name.

This is my philosophy, as well.