4Zale

It seems sometimes that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Not because we aren’t looking, but because of deforestation. While the debate on environmental issues and global warming continues, you can enjoy family fun time by going on a nature walk.

The first thing is to choose clothes that are appropriate. Comfortable shoes, sneakers or hiking boots would be fine, as would light clothing in layers (depending upon the weather), and a slicker to carry just in case of rain. Bring binoculars as well because you never can tell what wonderful sights may await you and your family.

Much has been advertised and written about the importance of preserving nature and all living things. In fact, Jane Goodall has sponsored a program for children that allows them to create backyard habitats for all sorts of birds and other animals that need a place to visit or call home.

Teaching our children about nature and animals who inhabit our planet is not only a necessary exercise, but one from which children can learn all about specific habitats, the creatures who live in them, and the need to preserve them for their generation as well as the generation to come.

While most kids can learn about nature from textbooks, it is walking among the different trees and flowers, discovering different species of birds and insects that makes it real for them and easier to relate to and understand.

Whether you are taking your family to the zoo, or to a reserve where extinct birds can be found, now is the time to do it. Our earth’s natural resources are dissipating as the population continues to grow. While there are still parks which preserve the beauty of our land and its wildlife, no one knows how much longer conservation will continue.

Begin with a family nature walk, a fun time yet a time of learning and appreciating nature and the magnificent treasures it holds.

Q. “I have a 7-year old son who is so shy he will hardly talk to anyone outside of our family. How can I help him?”

A. There are many children who are shy, which doesn’t mean they won’t learn to be comfortable with all kinds of people. You have to start from where the child is, and build one success at a time.

First, help him to find activities that he likes and is successful with. The more times he can experience being good at something, the more confident he will become. He will also have the added advantage of having more to talk about. The more people involved, the better. Don’t pressure him too hard to do things he’s resisting, but don’t make it too easy for him to opt out. Sometimes kids balk at doing something even when they know inside that they’ll have fun.

Set up some social activities for him that will also turn out to be learning experiences. Start with something easy and work up from there. An example might be a movie “date” with a friend. They can have fun sharing a common experience, yet don’t even have to talk.

Structure some activities for him that involve a few other people. Each time he gains a little confidence, plan another that is slightly more difficult. Plan these events knowing that he will do well, and then stop while it’s still fun. This will make everyone want to do it again.

Make sure these social occasions involve activities that he likes. If he likes computer games, invite some friends (one for the first time, then more) to come over and play them together. They will start talking about the games as they play.

When it’s time to visit adults, tell them about your son’s latest adventures playing the computer game. Let him be the one to correct you about any details. Hopefully, he’ll become engaged and start talking about some of the high points for him. You can even clue the adults in ahead of time about things to ask him.

If he doesn’t respond, don’t force him and don’t make excuses for him. It is his decision to talk or not. He will have to live with the consequences. It will be easier on him if you try to draw him into conversations. You might ask him a specific, open-ended question about the game. It might be something like: “How did Mario get lost in the Mansion in the first place?” Don’t put him on the spot by asking a yes or no question and don’t talk about difficult things or subjects he doesn’t like.

Over time your son will feel more comfortable being around people and talking with them. He will slowly feel stronger when talking about things he doesn’t know a lot about. If you can help make talking fun, then he’ll do more of it. On the flip side, he’ll talk less if it’s hard or embarrassing.

Finally, don’t call him “shy”. The more he hears you say this, the more convinced he will be that that is just how he is and that he cannot change. In time he might even use this as an excuse: “I can’t do that - I’m too shy!” Instead, emphasise his positive qualities - his gentleness, kindness, politeness etc.

Just remain positive and affirming and he should be fine.