There’s something utterly deadening about sitting in an office on a beautiful day and staring out at what could have been.

The moment the hint of a sunbeam appears from behind the clouds, the British population is out in force to catch the rays. We’re always watching the weather, particularly on Bank Holidays since most of us are shut away throughout the week.

But throughout the other parts of the year, we hide away from the seasonal changes. Avoiding the puddles and mud like the plague. Behind the protection of double-glazing, and swathed in central heating or air conditioning, we plant ourselves in an unnatural environment.

It’s of no surprise then, that our children are as out of touch with the natural world as we are. According to the Independent, nearly half of UK children have no idea what brambles, blackberries, and bluebells look like.

Missing out

That’s an incredible figure and such a shame.

There’s so much outside for children to enjoy, and so much good stuff to learn. So why is the next generation missing out on a whole world to explore?

My grandparents’ generation had to grow food since rationing from the war reduced what was available. Once the war was over, a lot of households had one parent working, while mothers stayed at home to care for the children.

Compare that to the current generation of parents and most work full-time. There’s more traffic around, and with towns and cities closer together, there are more strangers to be wary of. Parents have to be concerned about safety, especially with the media making us aware of the dangers some people pose to children.

Keep it simple

We’ve lost the benefits of simpler times it seems. And maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I was always out in the garden with my children when they were diddy. I’d take them to parks and walk instead of taking the bus. Now my ladies always want to be outside, and when I think about it, that’s down to my example.

It doesn’t take them long to find me in the garden these days, asking for a job and wanting to join in. So if you want to give your children a connection to the natural world, try getting outside with them, especially while they’re young.

Hurl yourself down snowdrifts and crunch dried leaves in the autumn. Wow at the awesome power of a storm, albeit from the safety of the house.

Rescue washed up worms from drying out on the pavement, and pick buttercups to check for your little person’s taste in butter.

Make paper boats and sail them down the canal or on the local park’s pond. There’s so much to do and enjoy.

Let’s show our children that there’s more to life than computer games and YouTube.

What do you think?