While cleaning out my computer files I came across an article I wrote for no particular reason other than that I was feeling inspired at the time and did not yet know about blogging. I wrote it about three and a half years ago and thought I'd better post it here in case I lose it. So here goes:

I never want my children to be creatively challenged. I also don’t want them to miss out on the wonderful world God has created for their enjoyment. I believe we short-change God when we rob Him of the joy of seeing our children discover, taste, see, smell and touch all His creation.

I love the outdoors. It’s probably the reason I dislike winter. Sure, the snow is magical, but the cold keeps me inside most days, and I quickly get cabin fever. So, the first spring thaw we had, we burst forth like hungry animals emerging from hibernation, and eagerly began searching for signs of life. 

Since I plan on home-schooling my children, I’m always looking for ways they can learn while having fun. Over the winter my four-year-old son, Grant, and I discovered a tiny little bird braving the icy weather to find what little sustenance he could forage in our front yard. The internet informed me it was a black-capped chickadee. While I’ve never been interested in bird-watching, I thought it might be a good educational opportunity.

During quiet time, when Connor and Emily were taking their afternoon naps, Grant and I would spread some birdseed on our front porch, lay on the floor on our bellies and watch through the full-length glass storm door to see what would come by. It didn’t take long for the birds to discover the new diner, and we learned a lot just observing them eat. Chickadees, for example, were happy-go-lucky, energetic little birds who fearlessly watched us through the glass before picking up a seed and flying right back to their perch to eat it (they can even be trained to eat out of your hand). Other birds, like the blue jay, cardinal, and even a red-headed woodpecker, visited our fine establishment. I never saw so much color in winter in all my life! How had I not noticed them before? 

Probably the most amazing part of becoming a bird watcher was how interested in birds my son became. Before long he was able to name many of the birds who ate off our porch. He would laugh and try to imitate the funny way the mourning doves walk, poking their heads out like chickens with every step. Even my then 2 1/2 year old, Connor, was picking up the hobby, in his own simple way. Anytime we hear a bird singing while we’re in the back yard, he asks “what’s that?” I resist the impulse to say “a bird,” and instead tell him exactly what kind it is. We search through binoculars to try and spot the singer. If it’s a new bird to us, we leaf through my field guide (a Christmas gift from my hubby) to see if we can find out what it’s called. I had no idea how many birds have made our little postage stamp-sized yard our home! Our birdhouse is home to a house wren, whose mating dances entertained our family for days on end (human males aren’t the only species who show off for a girl)! Up in the attic we have a mommy and daddy house sparrow that chirp noisily all day long. The other day when our family went fishing (a hobby my husband instituted), we discovered a gorgeous shimmering tree swallow peeking out of her nest box at us. She flew away when we got close and the boys and I had the rare opportunity to sneak a look at her tiny white eggs while she watched from a nearby tree. “See how carefully and lovingly she made her nest out of grass and feathers?” I explained to my boys. “This is how she keeps them warm. Isn’t God so amazing to make such a smart little mommy bird?” I hugged them tight. “She loves her babies just like I love you!” My children are learning the wonder of creation and living in awe and thanksgiving to the Artist...and we are bonding. And later, if my husband ever catches a fish, my sons will learn what fish like to eat and how they breathe underwater through their gills.

My kids enjoy the outdoors more than TV, and I prefer it that way. They also enjoy doing things with their hands...building things, picking flowers, painting and coloring, and sculpting with Play-doh. Perhaps bird watching isn’t your thing. Maybe you or your husband like physical activity, woodworking, painting, sewing, working on cars, hunting, growing a garden, or reading. Whatever it is, involve your kids in it, even if it seems a little over their heads. They’ll learn faster than you can imagine, and develop physically and mentally ahead of their peers.  You’re also fostering creativity and a love of learning, and most of all, an appreciation for their creator and the wonderful world around them. Doing a hobby together, you might find yourself enjoying your kids even more, and they will enjoy being with you. A word of warning: enjoying hobbies together often forms friendships, so don’t get into a hobby together unless you want to be your kids’ closest companion! 

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