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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 11 Enhances Mindfulness Time spent in nature grounds us in the present moment giving us space free of distrac ons where we can focus on the sights, sounds and smells surrounding us. Even if your child is reluctant, gently coax them out the door to explore a nearby trail or simply relax in the sunshine with you. "They don't know that it's going to be good for them," Daniels says. "They go around with technology bombarding them all of the me, and they forget who they are. They forget that they came from the earth, and they're going back to the earth. You are part of everything. You're part of the forest. You're part of nature. It's part of you." Cultivates Environmental Stewards Conserva onists worry that disengaged kids also become less inter- ested in caring for the environment. Jodi Crutchfi eld, a mom of two children Addi, 9, and Sammy, 6, be- lieves in fostering an apprecia on and empathy for the world outside with her children. "They have learned how cool animals, bugs and spiders are. We can play with them a li le bit, but we don't hurt them and we put them back where we found them," Crutchfi eld says. "They understand the idea of leave no trace. They pick up garbage when we are on hikes and can spot a piece of garbage 100 yards away. I was so proud last summer when both kids fi nished a week-long camp and both earned 'Most Connected to the Environment' award within their camp troops." Fosters Social Skills Nathan enjoys both the social and playful aspects of the forest school. "To fi nd other like-minded kids who are wired like us was a breath of fresh air," Muzrall says. "He loves jumping in the pond and climbing the trees. And, sit spots are his favorite." During "sit spots," each child fi nds a patch of grass, a tree or any spot that appeals to them where they can sit alone and no ce their sur- roundings. They don't have to sit perfectly s ll. They can dig around in the dirt, watch for wild animals or listen to the birds. Daniels says children o en arrive at her forest school hyper, fi dgety, nervous and some mes cantankerous. A er circling up, talking and playing a game, the kids, who o en range from 6 to 11 years old, do the sit spot exercise. "They are experiencing nature in a slow enough way where they go: 'Oh. I remember. This is what it feels like to be peaceful.' They almost don't even know what that feels like anymore," Daniels says. A er 15 to 20 minutes, the kids circle up again and share their expe- rience if they'd like. One child might report seeing a wild turkey with its babies while another might talk about a snail crawling up her arm. Daniels says the children return to the circle "almost reverent. They become respec ul of other kids' speaking. They start to listen. By the end of the camp, they're mellow, hanging out, respec ul and kind." Even 30 minutes a day spent si ng in your yard, witnessing nature in ac on is therapeu c for adults and kids alike. Gwyneth's Gift Dr. Saumitra Saravana 754 Warrenton Rd, 103 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 www.pearlfamilydental.com 540.370.8504 In honor of American Heart Month, Gwyneth's Gi Founda on is raising awareness of their Culture of Ac on and life-changing programs designed to save hearts and lives. The team at this local nonprofi t encourages all families in our community to priori- ze their heart health. Read their full story at www.freder- icksburgparent.net/category/ar cles/ gwyneths-gi . To learn more, visit: www.gwynethsgi .org hope starts here. 540.373.3223 WWW.RAPPAHANNOCKAREACSB.ORG WORKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF HOPE AND HELP. RAPPAHANNOCK AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD