Welcome to this week’s Nurturing Nook Notes. This time around, I’ve got a trio of treats for you: a laughter-packed family game, a handy strategy for reclaiming some much-needed headspace, and a captivating read that’ll slow down the whole family. Let’s dive in!
Guess the Animal
This one came from my son; he started the game out of curiosity during dinner time, asking about animals. He loves animals and is always curious about their facts. So we started with some simple rules:
One of us thinks of an animal, then the rest of the family gets to ask questions like:
What does it eat? Where does it live? What color is it? Does it have fur or feathers? Is it a mammal or does it lay eggs? If stuck, we can ask the golden question: What’s the main feature?
Try picking some of the animal kingdom’s oddballs for some good crack-ups – think Platypus, Axolotl, or Tomato Frog.
You’ll be amazed at where their imagination takes them (and you) – it’s a quick way for family fun!
Morning Strolls in Nature
We’re lucky enough to have bushland at walking distance from home. It’s part of our routine to walk the dog there early in the morning, and most of the time, only the dog and me. This quiet time, whether it’s a swift 30-minute stroll or a longer trek, offers me precious headspace to breathe, reflect and prepare myself for whatever curveballs the day might throw.
Even if you don’t have easy access to nature, a walk around the block can provide a similar sense of peace and connection. It’s all about stepping outside, soaking in your surroundings, and embracing the present moment. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells you may not usually notice.
The wise Stoic philosopher, Seneca, captures it perfectly when he says…
“We should take wandering outdoor walks, so that the mind might be nourished and refreshed by the open air and deep breathing.” – Seneca
Book recommendation
This one came from our local library, a gem to help us slow down before bedtime and perhaps challenge ourselves a bit 😊
This week’s recommendation:
Good Night Yoga, by Lorena Pajalunga and Anna Láng
With clean and simple illustrations, it has one position per page with good descriptions and a great selection of yoga positions to relax before bedtime. Kids find it amusing also to read (or try to) the original name of the positions in Hindu. It makes me laugh every time 😅
And there you have it! A handful of simple joys to your family time. Whether it’s getting a laugh in a family game of Guess the Animal, breathing in the beauty of a morning stroll, or winding down with some bedtime yoga, remember that these precious moments become the memories our kids will look back on. Take them in stride, savor them, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.
Until next week’s Nurturing Nook Notes!
Take care,
– Alex
