Many of us owe a debt to our mothers. It’s not just that they devoted a substantial portion of their lives to raising us. They also helped shape the way we view the world — and wilderness is no exception.
In a special Mother’s Day episode of Your Wild Place, the FSPW staff focus on the moms. The episode is all about how mothers from around the region raise their kids with a wild backyard in mind. It’s a decision they believe leads to healthier, happier kids with a greater appreciation for the natural world. The mothers covered in the episode raised children who range from 9 to 60 years old today.
Take Sara Smith. She’s a special needs educator and a mother to her nine-year-old daughter. Lately, she’s been thinking about how she can get her daughter some healthy outside time in the midst of stay-at-home orders.
“The last few days my family has been asking what I want to do for Mother’s Day,” Sara said. “I’ve been thinking a little bit about it, and the first thing that comes to mind is I want to get outside with my family.”
With everyone spending more time at home, Sara believes it’s important to find ways to tear away from the electronic devices. The best way to do that is getting out into nature, where her family can better appreciate both the place they call home and each other.
“When I have the opportunity to be in wild, beautiful places with my family, we slow down,” Sara said. “We’re more connected emotionally. We find that awe again in the simple things in this world.”
Keep an eye out for the Mother’s Day episode of Your Wild Place — and all future episodes — on our website or in your podcast feed. And remember to find a way to appreciate your mom this Mother’s Day. After all, nothing puts a new perspective on life like family.
“My daughter especially helps me to pause and to not really think about what’s our destination, what’s our goal today, but just to find the enjoyment in the experience,” Sara said.
