My program mode ......and 'community' as an important setting for nurturing the parent-child-nature relationship

 Hosting family nature club events means that I fall quickly into "program mode". Although I started this program with the intention of providing meaningful experiences in nature for my family...as a host I often find I have very little to do with my family during events. I became more aware of this during my last April event. My son typically spends the majority of events with extended family with whom he adores! I feel that this has been a huge bonus for him as I think it provides additional support and confidence having a community of people who love him as part of building a meaningful experience outside. Associating people he loves with outdoor explorations I feel deepens the experience by creating more positive associations with time in natural settings. From my observations hosting family nature club events, it is community that is also an important partner in the parent-child-nature relationship!  

However at the last event extended family were not present. I was worried about this going into my 10-week program and study. That my son would be less happy about participating and engaging in events. What did happen during this last event was that he sought me out more! However the program mode I slip into when hosting events felt like a barrier to connecting with my son and likely with other kiddos too.

Going into research for the 10-week program (around the corner!), I'd like to have more fun with my own family during events. I think I will also become more aware of what's actually going on around me including the experiences of other families. Again this falls into my own theme of being more present as a parent in nature.