Nature is the Great Age Equalizer

I have a twelve year old.  And a four year old.  And three kids in between.  On any given day you'd be hard pressed to find the twelve year old and the four year old bonding over shared interests.  Little Miss Pre-Schooler isn't so much interested in battling with Pokemon cards and big brother doesn't find fascination with Doc McStuffins.  Occasionally, preschool girl will sit on big brother's head which results in some fits of laughter and every once in a while big brother will read toddler sister a picture book.  Most often however, the age gap is too substantial for there to be lot of common play and interaction.  Add in three middle two kids and all the varied dynamics within our family unit and the recipe is perfect for many, many squabbles over toys and territories.

But the minute we enter into a nature space the magic happens.  Whether we are on a family hike or playing at the beach, everyone quickly finds something to do.  There is space to spread out and there are enough raw materials for everyone: sand, sticks, mud, critters, etc. 

Nature is the Great Age Equalizer.  Beyond sharing experiences with each other, my young children also love to enjoy nature with their grandparents.  They go on walks with them and camp with them.  They play at the park together and run races together.  They have bonded over harvesting cucumbers and training puppies.  What other activities capture both the attentions of two people separated by fifty-plus years?  Visit a State campground at peak summer season and you will find the oldest of the old and the newest of the new with every age in between.

Whatever your family situation is, nature provides a solution for fostering connection.  If you have one child, nature spans the gap between your generation and their generation.  If you have more than one child, nature will help bring the siblings together is a peaceful way.  If you have a large family there will likely be many years between your oldest and your youngest child.  Sitting in a movie together is probably not going to fly with each kid.  So, choose a hike.  Or a marshy area with little critters.  Bring everyone together over a free frog hunt at a State Recreation Area.  The muddier you get, the more memorable it will be!