Do you want your children to appreciate animals and nature?

The very best way to cause an appreciation in our kids for anything is by example. It is very hard for any parent to give their children an appreciation of animals and nature if they do not share that appreciation and aren't willing to let it show. Naturally, there is also a little more to it than this, but it is a starting point.

An appreciation is honestly tangible and achievable in all of us regardless of who we are and what we do. Even in a city, there is wildlife, though not as much as in the country. How we approach the animals and nature in general speaks volumes to our youth. After all, what we say isn't nearly as important as what we do.

The fact is that what we say means nothing if our actions don't back up our words. On the other hand, if the actions are there, few words are necessary because of the example we set.

Steve Irwin, the famed crocodile hunger, didn't instill a love of animals and nature in his daughter, Bindi, by telling her about it. Instead, he showed her about it, and even after his tragic death, the legacy lives on. How did he do this? In large part, he did it by showing that he loved animals and nature, too. He set the example, neither requiring nor pushing his daughter to follow in his footsteps.

Not all of us can go all over the world looking at wild animals and plants. Still, we have it in our means to teach by example, to our children. Family outings and camping trips are such a case, and it can instill a sense of wonder into children. Pointing out things of interest and praising them when they point out other things of interest simply reinforces the appreciation they have.

Encouraging them to learn nature crafts not only keeps them occupied when they are camping, it also gives them a solid foundation for true appreciation of everything in nature. Each time they master something; it increases the appreciation of nature and animals. Children have a desire to make their parents proud. Why should we be any less proud of them helping an animal or correctly identifying trees than in hitting a baseball in a field?

Children learn more by example than any other way. Whether it is a parent, brother, sister, or even a stranger, how those people relate to animals has a huge impact. At the same time, it can change each of us who are setting the example, for the better. That is a worthwhile goal for everyone.

At the same time, learning about different animals or nature in general right along with our children shows them that we are serious about our desire to learn too, and our appreciation for what is there. Listening to the questions and concerns of our children shows that we care. We may not always be able to answer the questions or calm the fears, but our willingness to try to find the answer shows that animals and nature are important. This isn't lost on our children, and it is something they pick up.

Therefore, if you want your kids to appreciate animals and nature, first, make sure that your own appreciation is strong, then give them information on both animals and nature, and absolutely take them places where they can observe the nature you've told them about and described.

None of us ever fully knows or appreciates the abilities our children may manifest later in life. That is human nature. With the right nurturing, and the right respect and appreciation on your own part, your child might become the next major and exciting super naturalist.

Both Steve Irwin and Euell Gibbons had their start, and you can bet that their folks loved nature as much, and taught that love to their children. There is little doubt that they taught by example.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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