Summer has officially begun, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to explore the natural world around us with fresh eyes – especially through the perspective of children. As we embrace this season of growth and exploration, there's something magical about watching kids interact with nature, forming their own opinions about sustainability, technology, and the plants that surround them.
Our children hold fascinating perspectives on the future of our planet. As one young voice pointed out during our conversation, "We're the last generation to see fireflies because we keep spraying our gardens." This profound observation reminds us that our choices today directly impact the ecosystems of tomorrow. Children naturally understand the connection between human actions and environmental consequences – sometimes more clearly than adults who have become desensitized to these relationships.
The summer months provide an unparalleled opportunity to introduce children to plant allies growing in their own backyards. Take plantago major (common plantain), for example – a resilient plant that grows virtually everywhere. Far from being just a "weed," this remarkable plant offers natural first aid capabilities. When chewed into a poultice, it can soothe bee stings, mosquito bites, and minor skin irritations. The cooling, anti-inflammatory properties make it nature's perfect remedy for summer ailments that children frequently encounter during outdoor adventures.
Native American legends tell us that plantain follows human footprints, spreading wherever people travel. This connection between humans and plant allies illustrates how indigenous knowledge recognized the symbiotic relationship we share with nature's pharmacy. Other backyard medicinal plants currently in bloom include red clover, motherwort, nettles, dandelion, catnip, and wild raspberry leaves – each offering unique properties that can enrich our health and well-being when properly understood and utilized.
As parents and caregivers, balancing technology with natural experiences becomes increasingly important. While our children navigate a world where AI can write songs and robots might someday farm our fields, grounding them in tactile experiences with the earth provides essential counterbalance. Creating refreshing herbal sprays with children using rose water, aloe, witch hazel and essential oils not only teaches them about plant properties but empowers them to create natural alternatives to commercial products.
The intersection of tradition and innovation appears throughout our lives – from incorporating children into worship teams at church to bringing locally-grown hemp products to grocery store shelves. This "grocery aisle medicine" approach makes plant-based wellness accessible within community spaces people already frequent. The journey from farm to retail shelves has taught us valuable business lessons about barcodes, vendor numbers, and distribution channels – practical knowledge far removed from the peaceful act of tending plants.
Local farmers markets represent another vital connection point between growers and community members. These gathering spaces allow for direct education about plant medicines while supporting regional economic sustainability. The conversations that happen at market stalls – explaining uses for hemp products or sharing tips about growing methods – strengthen community bonds through shared knowledge. Volunteers who assist vendors demonstrate how mutual support enhances everyone's experience.
Throughout summer's unfolding days, staying present with children remains both challenging and rewarding. The mantra "create, don't wait" encourages spontaneous exploration and creative expression. Whether making herbal sprays, singing improvised songs, or identifying medicinal plants, these shared experiences build memories while transmitting valuable knowledge across generations.
As we navigate parenting and environmental stewardship simultaneously, prayer and mindfulness help ground us in the present moment. The sweetest revelations often come when we surrender rigid expectations and embrace the flow of discovery alongside our children. Their uninhibited enthusiasm for learning and creating reminds us of our own inner child – that part of ourselves that still marvels at plantain's healing properties or the synchronicity of fireflies blinking on summer evenings.
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