that we found on the adventure, as I do not want to deal with the tantrums. Then in a few days, I can hide it in the car and drop it off somewhere on our next adventure.
Then there are the more obvious lessons of taking care of the environment. Things like not hiding rocks where plants can be damaged when people are looking for them and picking up rubbish made from the picnic we had and putting it in a rubbish bin or taking it home if there are no bins.
There will be many other teaching opportunities we will come across when rock hunting, I’m sure. It is a perfect time to talk with our children. Ask them why they are choosing the other rock over the one they have. Talk about the environment they are in. What do they see? What time of year is it?
What does this mean for the landscape? What is the picture on their rock? Do they think the rock is ugly? Remind
them that someone painted this rock, they took the time to do this so others would be able to find something. It may have even been a little two-year- old that doesn’t know how to paint pictures
yet, but they probably had a lot of fun painting it.
Rock hunting also encourages the children to get out of the house and get in some exercise without even realising they are doing so. It will probably teach us as the adults some patience, especially if you have little ones, and it provides us with the opportunity to spend time with our kids, to put down the computer, turn off the tv, put aside that magazine and go on an adventure with our kids.
Trust me, it can become very addictive. Paint the rocks with them. Hide the rocks with them.
Have fun seeing the joy on their faces. And remember, as a parent, you are the first and best teacher your child will ever have.
So, will you join in on the fun and excitement of rock painting and hunting? We hope to see you out
searching sometime!
Rebecca is a Wife, Mother and Momtrepreneur, in that order. She has been married for 7 years to a loving husband, has 2 children aged 2years and 7months and runs 'I Am Mother and Daughter,' who specialise in children's quilts and bedding, with her Mum, Sue.
www.facebook.com/iammotheranddaughter
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