Just in case I haven’t shared this before, let me assure you. I don’t have a degree in biology, ecology, microbiology or any other science that provides me with the knowledge you might think you need to teach your kids about nature.
I don’t have a degree in education or child development, either.
But what I do have is the most important tool any adult needs to explore nature with kids: A sense of wonder.
I may not have all the answers, but I’m more than willing to ask questions (tons of questions!), sit, watch, listen and wonder at nature’s magnificence right along with my kids.
So last weekend when we heard a woodpecker pecking away on a telephone pole in my step-mom’s backyard, The Explorers and I were on the case.
We haven’t had too much experience with woodpeckers, aside from seeing them on occasion in Yosemite.
A few things we wondered when we were “in the field:”
- Is it normal for woodpeckers to peck telephone poles?
- What is the woodpecker trying to do – store acorns, stash a nest or maybe something else entirely?
- What type of woodpecker is it?
- Are there other woodpeckers in the area?
- Why didn’t we bring our binoculars?!
Even though I didn’t have any answers at the time, I wasn’t worried. We would have plenty of time to research later. The moment was for enjoying.
There are books, museums, websites, local experts, park rangers, friends and more to help you find the answers you need. Don’t panic if you can’t answer your kids’ questions right away. Instead, think of a few more!
Here’s what we (eventually) learned about urban woodpeckers:
- A woodpecker’s rhythmic pecking is called “drumming” & it is often used to establish territories & attract mates (usually in the spring).
- Drumming doesn’t give woodpeckers headaches.
- Apparently, woodpeckers actually do drum on telephone poles (among other wooded items), making them quite unpopular in urban settings; there’s lots of information available about how to deter them from doing so.
- Unfortunately, our photos didn’t allow us to make a positive identification of what we saw. Maybe next time!
Thank you. Having kids has allowed me to re-experience childhood, sometimes through their perspectives; other times right along with them.
I love how much you've accomplished exploring nature with your kids with your sense of wonder and enjoying the moment. They grow up so fast so those moments are always special. It's so great to learn all sorts of things with the kids too.
Thanks, Hiking Mama! I love being to explore with friends who have some official training in things like plants and science. They're often more inquisitive than me!
Well said! I do happen to have degrees in science and still, I am far from knowing all the answers. I still enjoy learning right alongside of my children, and each day brings a chance for all of us to ask new questions and find new answers. I hope you inspire more moms to do the same.
Unfortunately, I think many parents are like those you described – more concerned about having all the answers than in just enjoying the experience. Life's a lot more fun when you're open to learning, isn't it?
Thanks, Dawn. I'm always impressed by all of the wonderful things you do with your kids, but most of all that you support & encourage their curiosity.
I like your thoughts! So many moms say to me that they feel unqualified to teach their children. But the fact is that all we need to do is show them how to learn! It's ok if we don't know everything but we just show them how to find the answer. We are supposed to learn all through life anyway. What better way to show them they can keep learning even when they're grown up than to
What fun. I could not agree more about being qualified to "teach" your kids about nature armed only with a sense of wonder. Perfect!