ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

In response to a recent ExchangeEveryDay, a reader reached out to say she was discouraged she couldn’t do things with children in the way she really wanted to right now. Perhaps most people can relate to this. So, what are we to do? One answer is to focus on what IS possible, while also acknowledging our sadness at what we are missing (a perfectly understandable and healthy emotion).

Here are two ideas:

November 17 is National Hiking Day, and an organization called Muddy Smiles shared this information about the benefits of hiking for children and families. Even if you can’t hike in a park or forest, even hikes around the block can be invigorating. Feel free to share with families: "43 Reasons That Hiking is AMAZING for Kids"

Rusty Keeler, in his popular new book, Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes?, provided this sound advice about focusing on the possible:

“Can we work to honor children’s rights and support their ideas and decision-making even within the most traditional systems? Yes…we can dream big and start small. It can start with letting go on the playground. It can start with extending schedules. It can start with loose parts and open-ended materials. It can start with really listening to what children want and need and asking, ‘How can I help? How can I support you?’ Maybe they’ll give you a ‘Best Supporting Adult’ award if you keep it up!”

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