Wild Life: Earth Day Series
It’s always a little surprising when we realize how wild our babies really are.
I don’t mean the “prefers to go barefoot” version of untamed. Not even the rather cute “my child really likes nuts and berries” kind of wild.
Nope, I mean the poop-whenevah-wherevah-you-want wildness. The snatch or be snatched toy ethics, and the take a nap any-dang-where mode of savagery. Survival of the stubbornest, child bite child.
You’ve seen playgroup. It’s a jungle in there.
Your backyard is probably more of a wildlife sanctuary than you realize.
With a few simple additions (bird feeder and water source) to what your backyard offers, your family can enjoy the regular company of bird visitors. Your children will see that animal companions need food, clean water, and safety — just like the rest of us. Kids will also develop their empathy instinct as they see birds busy with their survival tasks: finding food, flocking together, flying away from danger.
Not much backyard? Even one side of a fence will accept a passionfruit vine. Butterflies and other pollinators will visit often. For a more purposeful butterfly garden, plant herbs that you might want for your own use, then resolve to share. Offer sweet fennel, parsley, and dill for the caterpillars (the larvae that will turn into a butterfly), as well as food sources for adult butterflies. They like to dine on mustard greens, garlic chives, oregano, thyme, among many others.
Developmental benefits
Infants gain visually interesting and cognitively stimulating life experiences when they spend time outside with family members who are tending to the bird feeder or refilling the water source. Babies always see those type activities inside the home. To observe outdoor living and caretaking will expand their horizons.
Toddlers and preschoolers who help support backyard wildlife gain a sense of their roles in the world beyond their home. Responding to the needs of creatures who peacefully share our space with us will add meaning to the important concept of responsibility.
Boost your young learner’s organization skills by helping her to:
- Make a schedule of tasks.
- Conduct a butterfly count.
- Track bird sightings on a chart.
- Learn the names of the butterfly host plants.
Children who interact with creatures even wilder than they are learn responsibility, compassion, organizing skills, and most importantly, respect for needs beyond their own.
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Carly Jennings | Social Development | 
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