How to mix Gumnuts with Cinnamon

Some months of the year evoke more memories than others don’t they? When I was a child I used to love sitting at the kitchen table with my mother making clove pomanders in December. My little fingers had to work hard to push the spiky cloves into an orange but the resultant decorations were well worth it. Mum was a firm believer that they also kept silverfish at bay, but I’m not so sure. No matter its application, the rich scent of that little circle wafting from the table smelt, well, “happy” to me. To this day, I always think of my beautiful mother when I see a jar of cloves, let alone smell them. And together with cinnamon, nutmeg (or mace) it evokes memories of good times, home as haven and the tingling feeling that Christmas is not far away…

Many pot potpourris have the same effect on me. Considered a bit old fashioned by some, my kids and I still love making the occasional batch, because it is dead easy to do and there are no particular rules as to how one goes about it.

Given I am always looking for a way to mix the outdoors with the indoors, I devised an Australian twist on a Christmas potpourri using Gumnuts as one of the main ingredients:

GUMNUT POTPOURRI

You will need to head outdoors and find a good selection of dried gumnuts, (or other interesting seed pods), a handful of orange leaves (and if possible orange flowers) and then head back inside and find:

 1 firm orange
 1-2 teaspoons or Orris Root powder
 a few cinnamon quills
 a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
 a handful of cloves
 drops of orange blossom oil
 drops of cinnamon oil

Method:

 Dry the orange leaves and flowers on a cake rack in a light airy spot for a week or so until crisp to the touch.
 Slice the orange into thin rings around ½ cm in width. Rub with some orris root powder. Place on a cake tray in a cool oven (around 120 degrees Celsius) until the orange has dried and become crisp without burning. Remove and cool completely.
 In a decorative bowl of your child’s choice, combine the cinnamon quills, cloves, gumnuts and dried orange leaves, flowers and segments. Now gently transfer the mixture into a large paper bag and add the orris root powder. Hold the bag closed and gently toss the ingredients so the orris root is distributed evenly. You really should store this away for a month or so, but we’ve never had the patience for that.
 Empty the contents of the paper bag back into your bowl and sprinkle with a few drops of each of the essential oils. Every month or so, you might need to add a few more drops of oil.

And Aunty Shirl would be who exactly? Kid’s family/Christmas tree

My 6 year old asked me this question today. It was impossible for her to conceptulise my answer of “Great Aunt”. I then remembered a craft activity that we undertook last year and how, over the festive season, it’s likely that I will be asked this question several times.

Like me, it’s possible that you will spend more time (over the next month) with family than at any other time of the year. This includes family members that we only see once a year, sometimes extending to distant relatives from overseas. Explaining to my kids “who fits where” in their family tree can be tricky, so I devised a visual family tree that is easy to make and is more easily understood by young ones than its written counterpart.

With your children, collect some larger leafless branches that look like mini trees (we used a dried-out giant seed head from a Bangalow Palm). Using some coloured string or ribbon, help your children tie their favourite photos or pictures of their family to the branches (photocopy them if you don’t want to use the originals). Start with Grandpa and Grandma and work your way down the tree. Don’t forget the family pets! Use a bucket of sand to hold the tree in place. And hey presto – your family is revealed in all its glory hanging from a cute tree.

Alternatively, if you don’t have ready access to dried branches or twigs, draw the outline of a tree onto some art card, collect some leaves, write the names of each family member onto individual leaves and glue them onto the paper tree…

If you celebrate Christmas you can do the same but replace family photos with home made ornaments or found objects such as pretty shells, conkers, gum nuts, buttons, pretty berries or so on.

These activities are cheap, green and kids just LOVE them.

What I’m giving the kids this Christmas? Nothing…

In Australia, for many december means celebrating Christmas, hot days, gifts, reconnection and relaxation, family, more hot days and approximately 9 weeks of holidays. We’re a month into summer and the heat can be oppressive. If you’re lucky and have access to a pool, beach or outback dam, the summer break invariably means much time spent cooling off in the water, perfecting the ultimate ‘bomb’ or dive, hunting for sea creatures in the sparkling depths of rockpools and seaweed forests or catching yabbies using nothing other than a bit of string and some pongy meat.

If you observe the religious or festive traditions of Christmas, however, it can be frustrating to watch the mainly European and North American media representation of ‘what’ Christmas is. Reindeer, snow (and the associated activities the white stuff brings), hot baked dinners, holly and mistletoe, mulled wine and egg nog all abound, to name just a few. I’ve only had the opportunity to celebrate one such december where the temperature dipped below freezing. That was in Scotland many years ago and it was brilliant. I’m determined that one day I will give my children the same opportunity. Meantime, here in Sydney, the Christmas “markers” in our mainstream media just seem plain silly.

So I thought I’d share what the summer break means to me and my family. Firstly, school has finished for the year. This means several things. No homework for up to 9 weeks (a personal favourite of mine); endless stretches of warm days, sea breezes and late nights attempting to avoid dive-bombing, manic and hungry mosquitoes, whilst watching reruns of ridiculous, yet highly entertaining B-grade movies.

It’s spending most of the day in our bathers eating mangoes, lychees, rambutans, strawberries and raspberries and then washing the sticky juice off arms and legs whilst running under the sprinkler (regardless of age). The rules are relaxed on who sleeps where and at what time one goes to bed. I often wake in the gentle, quiet hours of early morning to find my babies sleeping on the couch or verandah with our puppies – it’s a delightful amorphous mass of arms, paws, the occasional snort, whiskers, twitches and general loveliness.

It’s getting up early before the day becomes too warm to walk the puppies but forgetting to change out of your PJ bottoms. And then the flooding sense of relief as you meet other people on the harbour track who’ve done exactly the same thing. It’s the daily opportunity to head to the beach, and later that evening curl up in bed with the salt still scratching your skin; waking the next morning with a severe case of salt-encrusted bed-head. (This is another favourite of mine as I’m CERTAIN it has to be good for you).

There’s a BBQ to be had every other day, entertaining friends who casually drop in clutching a fine bottle of chilled wine whilst shaking the sand from their shoes. There’s fresh seafood to eat, books to read, summer quizzes to ponder in a newspaper that offers little else at this time of the year.

It’s watching with delight as my children take the “shortcut” and scale the backyard fence to go play with their mates. Summer break means that beach cricket will be played, Lilos will be burst, Aloe vera will be applied to “Coppertone” bums and bathroom scales will be pushed under the vanity until January 1st.

And whilst my family doesn’t observe any particular religion, this time of year will inevitably find us lying under a Moreton Bay Fig in Sydney’s iconic Botanic Gardens listening to Christmas Carols whilst flying foxes screech overhead.

What I like best of all though? Sydney’s summer break affords me the perfect opportunity to remind my children of how to do “nothing” and actually enjoy it. Without the distraction of school or work, the likelihood of over-structured time or play is reduced tenfold. With no formal learning, no rushing here or there, we find ample opportunity to unplug, reconnect with each other and spend way too much time outside in the sun enjoying all that playing outdoors has to offer. I am convinced that this is the best Christmas gift I can give my children.

To all, a happy festive break. Whatever it means to you and however you celebrate, I hope it brings much joy wherever on our beautiful planet you might be.

We’re going on a leaf hunt ….

I’m a little obsessed with leaves. Always have been. Their sheer diversity dazzles me. There are water-lily leaves large enough to hold the weight of a small child. Another plant with leaves so large that its common name is Elephant Ears. Others are tiny and delicate, some thick and fleshy, some are beautifully heart-shaped and still others don’t look like leaves at all.
Mother Nature provides literally thousands of leaf shapes, types and sizes in a dazzling array of colours throughout the year. It’s not just autumn when the beauty of leaves is evident.

So with a cry of “we’re going on a leaf hunt”, set off on an exploration with your child – you’ll be amazed at how many you come across even if you get no further than the back garden.

During one of our forays, my kids and I came up with a funky little activity that can be done year round. I love it for its simplicity, the gentle messages it imparts about nature, but best of all that your children can lead the activity pretty much in its entirety.

BABY LEAF BIRDS

You will need:
 a collection of small leaves, sticks, bark, small dried berries or currants
 a selection of feathers (bought or found)
 a few blocks of Oasis or a roll of tin foil
 PVA or craft glue
 some white or neutral-coloured tissue paper
 flexible thin bits of wire such as plastic coated or thick fuse wire or pipe cleaners
 gold or silver glitter spray (optional)

Method:

 Take a walk around your neighbourhood and collect a variety of objects to make a body, eyes and a beak (such as small spring leaves, sticks, bark and berries or feathers)
 When home, sit outside and carve the oasis or scrunch tin foil into the shape of a bird. (The oasis is easy to carve so young children can do this using a blunt knife).
 Once you and your child are happy with the general shape, use the glue to cover the body with a few layers of tissue paper (torn into small, manageable pieces).
 Wait for the tissue paper and glue to dry, then glue on the baby leaves. Have them all face the same way so they begin to resemble feathers.
 Use real feathers to make the wings. Attach the beak and eyes.
 Finally, twist two bits of wrie or pipe cleaners until they resemble bird’s feet. It’s fun for your child to twist, untwist and twist again.
 When they’re happy with the feet, insert them into the oasis or foil and arrange them so the bird can stand.
 Lightly spray with the glitter for a sparkling version.

Thanks to Katrina Crook for supplying some of the photos. Her website is on my blogroll. Her beautiful work appears throughout our book, Small Fry Outdoors: inspiration for being outdoors with kids (as does this activity!). If you’re interested, click here: http//smallfryfun.com

Have to head outdoors now! Until next time… xx

Who’s afraid of the great outdoors…?

The great outdoors …. sometimes the thought of allowing your child to run free whether it’s in a suburban back garden, small courtyard, farm, park, beach or vacant lot can be a daunting prospect.  There are so many variables; so many places of potential injury.  Every stick, insect, flower can appear to be lurking, waiting to stab, sting or poison.  And sometimes, it will simply not appeal to either of you or finding time in the day may seem impossible.

However, it is a place of wonder for children and a vital tool in helping them make sense of themselves and their environment.  By providing unstructured outdoor time, we assist them to develop confidence, a sense of spirit, independence, resilience and creativity.

My children and I live in a country that  is home to some of the most poisonous creatures in the world.  And whilst I adore Australia, I do intensely dislike the deadly creature thing.  Quite frankly the thought of all those vile critters lurking nearby makes me incredibly resentful and fearful for my young children and pets.

Take our farm for example.  It is an average agricultural holding on the southern tablelands, approximately 300k south-west of Sydney (180k as the crow flies).  When we visit, I am ALWAYS aware of the number of creatures that could potentially kill, injure or maim my children.  Brown and king brown snakes, black snakes, redback spiders, the occasional funnel-web spider, cocktail scorpions, wasps, earwigs, bees, bull ants – you name it – we’ve got ‘em all. However, as a child, I didn’t give them a second thought.  I ran barefoot everywhere (and still do).  I fell off horses after they shied from snakes and simply jumped back on and kept going (three times with a broken arm).  I learnt to ask my mother to shake out boots before putting them on.  If something bit me, I scratched the bite and forgot about it.  Being scared of critters was simply not on my radar.

I realise that I have my mother to thank for this.  She taught me to be aware but not fearful.  ”Always look down when you walk through the bush.  Stop if you see something and back slowly away.  They are more frightened of you than you are of them”, and so on.  Now, as a mother to two young children (and despite my tendency to over-protection), I am determined to make sure that they have a similar carefree childhood. So, instead of dwelling on what might be, I still follow the advice of my beautiful, wise mother.  My children are aware, but not fearful.  They have understood since they were tiny about the concept of responsible risk.  Joyfully, they have learnt to co-exist with “the nasties” (as they call them) and just get on with free fall play outdoors.  

I delight in watching them spin a heavy dose of imagination into their time outside.  After all, outdoors is a place where a child’s  imagination can truly roam free.  There are wild things hiding; it’s home to fairies, pixies and the occasional troll.  There is no room for fear in this imagined world.  It’s a place of high adventure, where they can get down and dirty with bug catcher and magnifying glass in hand.  They can become conquering explorers, artists, amateur botanists, pirates, fairies or Robin Hood all in the blink of an eye.  And what’s more, all the required costumes can be found in-situ.

So, with spring (and autumn) upon us, I encourage you to celebrate outdoors with your children whenever you can.  Splash through puddles, pick some blossoms or colourful leaves, help find fairies, lie under a tree and daydream, hunt for weeds and other garden pests, plant a sunflower, ride a tandem bike, visit a Botanic Garden or just do nothing together.  Whatever outdoors means to you and your child, you can find something together that will delight you both without having to give a second thought to “the nasties”.

Until next time….

a veggie-led backyard revolution…

There’s a quiet revolution going on in the suburban backyards of Australia.  Rather than sitting back and admiring our perfectly manicured “outside rooms”, gazing lovingly at our mondo grass, perfectly coiffed hedges of murraya, buxus or newly acquired rows of trendy agaves, we are choosing to head outside armed with buckets of kitchen scraps, water collected from baths & showers whilst we attempt to figure out where we should build a chicken coop, locate the veggie patch, compost heap and herb garden.

Suffering a slow death (and not for lack of water) is the passive, over-structured garden.  Instead we are rediscovering how much fun it is to actually interact

with Mother Nature and the vital lessons she has to impart to us and our children about nourishing ourselves and our environment.  Despite our hectic lives, we are taking time to get down and dirty, and, somewhat surprisingly, we are finding that we love it.

So what’s behind this shift in the suburban landscape?  I’d suggest a few things.

Everyday we are bombarded with messages on climate change and the potential impact it will have on our lives.  No longer an obscure issue, we (collectively) now have a nascent understanding of some of the associated issues and their ability to directly affect what we do and how we do it.  It unsettles us.  Gone are the days when we could drop a coin into a bucket held by a man dressed in a koala suit and feel that we were doing our bit for the environment.  “Think global, act local” is once again foremost in our minds, so it comforts us on many levels to get out into our backyards, plant trees, attempt to grow our own veggies and provide a safe, happy and productive environment for our family.

The economy is doing nothing to provide peace of mind.  Food, fuel, water, medicines and shelter are all more expensive.  And with the global economy continuing to flat line, the ability to provide the basics for ourselves at reduced cost is very appealing and for many of us, more necessary.

Subconsciously, global terrorism may also be impacting on our lifestyle choices.  Terrorism is no longer a remote event, occurring in a far-off country.  There is an unspoken fear in many communities that some day soon, “something” may happen closer to home.  So our home becomes haven again; we are bunkering down, cocooning and trying to figure out what we should do to protect ourselves and maintain the peaceful lifestyle Australia affords us.

This unease reminds us of the staples of life –we hanker for a return to the “good life” of our childhoods, which was, on the whole, a time spent outside whiling away the day with lots of unstructured play (and not a nintendo in sight) and very little to worry about except what mum was preparing for dinner.  We long to provide this for our own children.

Or maybe it’s none of these.  Perhaps we are simply sick to death of gardens which offer nothing but a vacant green room, with little to engage or educate our children and no place for their beautiful imaginations to take hold.

Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled with our new-found involvement, and am now longing to hear, once again, the 3.00am call of the lovelorn rooster and hoping that I will soon find a beautiful Choko vine spilling over the back fence.

This article has also appeared in a recent edition of the online newspaper, The Punch at http://www.thepunch.com.au/

Turf ‘em outside….

Overloaded with structured play, organised sports, friends to visit, homework (for some) and the general “busyness” and cacophony of a household, young children can easily become worn out and occasionally stressed or even depressed.  As parents/carers, the signs of stress in our children can be easy to miss, as we ourselves go frantically from this thing to that, all the while trying to figure out how to achieve that ever elusive work/play life balance (for everyone in the family).  Parenting is a relentless gig and at times the entire family needs to step back, take a breath and look for some relief.   The biggest stress buster for young children?  Turf ‘em outside…

Taking time outside is a natural antidote to stress.  Without anyone telling them what to do or how to do it and with

the opportunity for private, quiet play and discovery – it affords little minds and bodies a chance to unwind and be at peace with themselves.  And these periods of stillness and reflection can impart a real sense of place and foster a connectedness with their world.

Here are a few outdoor activities you might like to consider:

• Grab a blanket and kick back watching the clouds go by.  Every shape and object is up there and identifying and describing them can really fire little imaginations.
• Buy a small unlined-book and encourage your child to start a nature journal by drawing what they see around them.  It may be a bird swaying on a power line, the neighbour’s back garden, a patch of grass or some billowing clouds racing by.  Rainbows are always a popular subject to draw.  The sketches may be nothing more than a few squiggles and a splash of colour to begin with, but as it slowly becomes the repository of thoughts, dreams, tender drawings and little gems from nature,  your child may well become very attached to their journal.
• Buy a disposable camera and let your child snap away.  To avoid disappointment, you might want to give them a few suggested subjects, lest you end up with 24 pics of the ground or your child’s left foot.  I guarantee, however, that in no time, they will be better photographers than you….
• Watching spiders, ants and other industrious little creatures going about their business often mesmerises children.  And interestingly, the busier the insect, the more likely it is your child will sit statue-like observing.
• Kids love selecting their own personal patch of outdoors and turning it into the perfect Hidey Hole. Encouraging private time in this way develops stillness and independence in your child.  My daughter once fell asleep with a beautiful smile on her face, deep in the recesses of her hidey hole.
  

Of course, recharging doesn’t always have to always be so “zen-like”.  A good dose of rough ‘n tumble, tree climbing, hide and seek or a simple walk or run can have a similar effect. After all, outdoors is where the wild things are and where children themselves can be wild for a few hours.  The important thing is not to structure their time or direct the play.  Sure, you can offer advice or ideas if asked.  But be prepared to retreat and let their beautiful little imaginations conceptualise, implement and lead their chosen activity.  You never know, in doing so you might just find time for a quiet cup of tea by yourself….

I’d love to hear from you on your ideas for de-stressing using Mother Nature as a guide …. I’ll send a copy of my book; Small Fry Outdoors – Inspiration for being outdoors with kids to the most inventive idea.  I won’t judge the best entry … I’ll leave that to my resident young outdoor warriors…

Cheers,

You want me to eat WHAT? Kids and edible flowers

Everything is bursting with life during spring.  The blossoms of deciduous trees put on a spectacular display and there are fresh hues of green popping up everywhere.  Bulbs have exploded from the ground and are providing a carpet of blooms just waiting to be sat among or picked for a pretty indoor arrangement.  Young lambs are bleating, magpies are attacking and the weather is warming up.  All in all, it’s a really exciting time for young children to be out and about observing.  And that includes eating flowers.  Many, many flowering plants are edible.  They can really spice up a meal and can tempt even the fussiest eater.           

Here’s a quick list of edible flowers and some ideas that my children and I have loved trying out over the years.

Basil – has small pretty white flowers that can be used in salads or as a garnish over frittatas, pizzas and quiches. Try the purple variety for a flash of colour. 

Broccoli and Broccolini - the flowers are small, bright yellow and not surprisingly, taste of broccoli. For many, the challenge of getting young children to eat broccoli can be almost insurmountable.  Faced with this, I gave up on the floret and instead, started sprinkling small amounts of the flowers on top of whatever we had prepared for dinner.  It made the meal look interesting and became irresistible to my children.  They look great sprinkled over salads and stir fries.

Chives – produce a very pretty purple flower that looks a bit like a small pom-pom.  With a mild onion flavour, they can be sprinkled over vegetables or added to salads.

Lavender – using culinary lavender (English and French), shred the flower.  Put some ice-cream in a cone, sprinkle with just a few lavender flowers and a drizzle of honey.  The flowers of this remarkable plant can also be used in drinks and cakes, potpourri and sleep sachets.

Marigolds – come in a range of sunny colours and brighten up any meal.  The taste can be a bit spicy for young ones, so introduce them sparingly.  The petals can be used in salads or sprinkled over rice, pasta and soups.

Marjoram, Oregano and Thyme – flowers make a perfect garnish on frittatas, pizzas and quiche and can also be added to chicken and fish dishes.

Nasturtium – flowers are crammed with vitamin C.  They can be eaten whole, used in salads or as a garnish.  They have a delicious sweet and slightly spicy flavour.  They are a must in any vegetable garden.

Pumpkin and Zucchini flowers – are unbeatable for taste, ease of growing and a brilliant visual display.  Harvest the flowers in spring and eat the lot.

Rose – petals are edible, but the flavour depends on the type and colour of the bloom.  They look beautiful sprinkled over desserts and salads and can also be used in jellies and syrups.  Rose petals look gorgeous bobbing about in the bath with kids and add a delicious fragrance to the water too. 

Rosemary – has very dainty flowers that can be used in casseroles and soups and as a garnish over meat.  You can also create skewers for meats or vegetables by cutting a stem (around 15 cms in length), stripping the foliage and leaving a small bunch of the flowers at the tip.  Not only is it fun for kids to make, whatever you are cooking will take on a lovely rosemary flavour.

Sage – flowers are perfect for using in soups and casseroles and as a garnish.  They can also be used in stuffing.   There are many varieties, some of which are not culinary, so choose with care.  The bright red flowers of the fragrant pineapple sage are delicious over fresh pineapple and ice-cream.

Viola (and Pansies) – are such dainty pretty flowers.  With your child, collect a dozen or so flowers.  Pop them into an ice cube tray and fill with water.  Freeze.  Tip frozen cubes into a glass and fill with your child’s favourite drink.  Every part of the flower is edible, but the petals themselves have the mildest flavour.  You can also use these flowers to jazz up fruit salad and they press beautifully too.

Others to consider trying are Dandelion, Rocket, Coriander (Cilantro), Dill, Tarragon, Parsley, Vietnamese Mint, Hibiscus, Garlic Chives and Lemon Verbena.

Remember, it is vital that lessons on what is edible and what is not start early.  Children should never eat anything from the plant world unless they first check with you.  Put simply, if you are unsure, don’t eat it.  Always ask which parts of a herb or other flowering plant are edible at the point of purchase.  Many plants commonly found in gardens and parks are poisonous.

Cheers and happy eating! Caro Webster

To trick, treat or opt out? Australia and Halloween

Halloween is almost upon us.  On 31 October, thousands of children and adults around the world will don strange costumes and wander the streets.  Tricks will played, treats will be given …. but will Australians ever really embrace this day?

I LOVE Halloween and in one form or another have celebrated it all my life.  However, many in Australia do not.  Descriptions such as “glammed-up celebration of ghoulishness”, “over-commercialized clap trap”, “a celebration of lollies and terror”, “Americanization by stealth” all spring to mind.  So today when a friend from the United States asked me whether Australians celebrate Halloween like they do, I had to tell her that sadly, the short answer is no.  
Her question though, prompted me to write this post on why I believe it is a positive experience for kids and also my theory on the real reason it isn’t celebrated with much enthusiasm Down Under.

Samhain … All Hallows Eve … Halloween…

Australia’s ‘lack of uptake’ regarding Halloween is understandable if you look at its history and our geographic location.

Halloween can be traced back to Celtic and Gaelic times and a festival known as Samhain.  Then, it was an annual festival held to celebrate the end of summer’s bounty but also to prepare for the long, cold winter months to come.  It was believed that during Samhain, the ‘doors’ between the real and spirit worlds could be opened and as such evil spirits would walk the earth.  

So during Samhain, people dressed up like the very ghouls they feared and also carved lanterns (using root vegetables) in an attempt to scare the spirits and keep them at bay. Bonfires played a part.  They were lit as a way of disposing of the carcasses of slaughtered animals (whose meat would be consumed during the winter months) and were also used in ‘cleansing’ rituals.  

After time, the name Samhain was lost and the day became more widely known as All Hallows Eve and eventually, Halloween.

The U.S and all those pumpkins…..

It was the Irish who took the concept of Halloween to America during the 1840s as they fled the great famine in Ireland.  Since then the simple activities undertaken during the time of Samhain have morphed to become a full-blown day (and evening) of celebration, fun, baking, autumn craft activities, pumpkin carving & eating, community – all with a splash of mystery and mischief.   Many young children just love getting or giving a good scare!   Up to 65% of U.S. homes are decorated during Halloween.  And Canada doesn’t lag too far behind the U.S. in its enthusiasm for Halloween.

Australia and no pumpkins……

So why didn’t the Irish, who also came to Australia in droves during the mid-1800s, bring Halloween here?  Well, I’m sure they tried…

But Australia is, of course, in the southern hemisphere.  October 31 is half way through spring.  It’s a time of verdancy, growth, new life and warm days with impossibly blue skies.  Any evil spirit would be hard pressed to survive such joie de vivre.  Add to this that there would have been nary a pumpkin, gourd or tuberous vegetable in sight and the essence of Halloween would have inevitably suffered.  I imagine that it would have seemed just plain stupid to our early Irish settlers to perpetuate a part of their culture that bore no relation to the season and climate in which they now found themselves.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate aspects of Halloween now.

I am committed whenever possible, to supporting any activity that encourages children and parents to spend time outside, be it directly connecting with nature or taking a simple stroll around your suburb. Halloween gets a big tick on both these counts.

It’s like a giant street party, tempting our children to get out and about in their local community, greeting neighbours they may only see once a year.  It stimulates a connection with nature by default.  It affords the opportunity to talk to your kids about history, harvests, growing your own food, the celebration of bounty and the cycles of life.  And it is a great time to have a go at some nature craft activities.

So get outside on 31 October, control the sugar intake and enjoy all the positive things Halloween affords. 

Cheers and happy haunting!