My Fuzzy Tarantula: Stories from a Sustainable Mom

When I was 20 I walked outside with my 2 year old niece. She screamed and ran back inside. Shocked I stood there looking into the empty street wondering what she saw that was so frightening. It turned out to be a bee. She learned from her mom who doesn't like bees.

This stuck in my head and I filed it away only to be pulled out over ten years later under the file ‘I don’t want my girls to be petrified of bees (or other insects).’

When my girls were one and three we would have scavenger hunts, looking for plastic insects (yes, plastic) I would hide around the yard - bees, ants, butterflies, spiders, etc. We would finding real ones too. I would put rolly pollys (sow bugs), worms, lightning bugs, whatever I could catch, in my hands for them to see, touch, and maybe hold too. I love nature and wildlife and I wanted my kids to appreciate nature too.

Bella holding a tarantula at the Field Museum

We played the scavenger hunt at least once a week. The following spring I took my family, including my 9 year old niece to Members Night at the Field Museum in Chicago. I always like the insect room because the beetle collection is as beautiful as it is diverse.

We walked in and the first part is live bugs. Among them there was a tarantula and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. I wanted my niece to touch the tarantula. I knew I had to do it first so she would feel it was no big deal. It worked. (Aunt pressure can be as persuasive as peer pressure).

When we moved up a bit I turned around and there was my preschooler (with her father), trying to snuggle with the ‘fuzzy’ tarantula, almost rubbing her face on it. Well, mission accomplished! I will never forget that night (even though I forgot the camera) because my little preschool girl did not see that big hairy tarantula as a scary monster. A few years later and I got a picture of her holding one.

The point is, if you want your kids to do something, sustainable or otherwise, it is best learned through modeling.

You can find more anecdotes and information on raising a sustainable child in Alexandra Gnoske's upcoming book: 'How to Raise a Sustainable Child' coming out soon. 

Behold the Power of Spring

What makes us long so much for Spring? Is it biology or chemistry? I think it's a bit of both and a little more.

Here in the Midwest it seems everyone starts getting a bit stir crazy when February rolls around. And that made me wonder what are we experiencing. Here are my ideas of why Spring is so powerful.

Oxygen
Obviously an essential to life on earth, oxygen is an element we can't live without. As Spring nears, plants emerge, leaves grow and more oxygen is produced. It's really just fresh air and whether or not you've been cooped up indoors all winter, there has been less oxygen produced in your immediate vicinity. Spring gives us that first breath of fresh air and it's stimulating.

Sun
During Winter there is a decline in sunlight from the tilt of the earth and in some cases more overcast skies. Once Spring arrives we have more daylight hours, more direct sunlight and are able to get an increase of that essential Vitamin D that boosts our immune system, strengthens our bones, and lightens our mood.

Movement
With all the fresh air and Vitamin D, we are inspired to move; whether walking, running, biking, hiking, most people tend to get out and get more physical exercise when Spring comes. It elevates our mood, decreases our waist size, and improves our health in numerous ways.

Connections
Now that you are happy, healthy, and running around, you are more likely to see your neighbors, your friends, and make new friends. As the most social animal on the planet, connecting to other human beings is essential to our overall health and wellness. Spring promotes our connections to each other.

Nature
As you make your way outdoors in the Spring it is only natural that you will hear birds chirping and see flowers blooming. If you are fortunate enough you may be able to enjoy lakes, oceans, parks or forests, depending on where you live. Nature provides us with a spiritual experience, connecting to the earth and creation. Getting out into nature is a very satisfying experience.

With all the good things in store, it's no wonder so many people are longing for Spring. If you want to enjoy the rest of the winter, read my previous post on The Winter Blues and experiencing a happier Winter. Until then, I'm enjoying Winter but looking forward to Spring.

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environment Expert, Green Business Owner, and Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth."