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.

If there’s one thing Mother Earth does better than any of her sister planets, it’s giving birth.

She gestates. She grows things.  She’s a Fertile Myrtle. She’s a baby mama. She’s preggers. Get my drift?  She’s like Jon and Kate plus 8 wowzillion, ya dig?

The horny old broad has some randy heirs, too. Some of them breed every few days, while others modestly wait a year between litters. Yet, some of her more introverted progeny, like bamboo forests, get the urge once every 48 years.

Here’s how to invite some of Mother Earth’s offspring to a play date with yours.

Earth Day is a good occasion to remember that 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, most of it oceans.

Children of all ages love playing with water, in water, on water. You will love that they grow in multiple developmental areas with such a simple, inexpensive toy: H2O.

Though it may be a little soon for “the talk,” this is the perfect time of year for a walk with your infant, toddler or preschooler.

Whether strolling through a neighborhood, or through a park, your fellow (feathered) citizens are ready to help you teach your child about Mother Nature.

It’s Earth Day all week long at MommyGarten.com, and today we talk about some of the compelling creatures who share the outdoors with us and our children.