Mums and Nature

Mums and Nature

The lesson for me today is just how healing a walk by myself through the countryside can be. By myself, I can set a really fast pace, but a pace just right for me. I get in touch with my own mind. I do also like walking long walks with other adults to encourage me and keep me company. And I used to love walking with my daughter, although it was hard to get a proper pace going.

This makes me think - how can Mums get into nature? Bringing up a child 0-5 can be the most anti-nature or anti-eco experience in a person's life. Nappies, toys, clothes, TV, indoor play, story books...Or maybe not. Maybe people can be cut off from nature their whole lives.

I bought a tie-it-yourself sling for £60 with the intention of taking my daughter hiking in it but it was such a faff to tie it, it was too long, and I didn't have anyone to help me with tying positions, so after Lizzy outgrew the newborn cradle tying position (which was a lifesaver - so soothing for her, like a mini-womb), I just ended up carrying Lizzy by hand, which I enjoyed but it gave me a curved posture, as I used to stick my belly out to balance her on it, which has since corrected itself. I also used to carry her on my shoulders and hips, always regularly changing position to avoid discomfort. It's a great workout and bonding experience! I really recommend it! The pram was great for an occasional rest and town/city power walking!

But I do want to do long distance walking with Lizzy. I'm not sure when we'll next have the opportunity but I will plan something, somehow....

We were lucky that we chose a house right by the river in Hall Green. I'm glad I had that idea!!! When we moved only a mile away in Sparkhill, we stopped walking down there - it shows how lazy you can get as a Mum but it's not laziness really - when you're a Mum, 1 mile of walking is the same as 2 or 3 miles to a non-Mum, or it was for me anyway! Because of the need to change nappies, find a breastfeeding or bottle feeding place, get the child warm, get food supplies, etc...With planning it can work, but planning can slip easily if you're like me and not really a super Mum!

That's why councils invest so much in parks. Everyone can get there easily and use them... Use prams on them. And parks sufficed for us very well but the river was amazing. The wilds and mountains would've been amazing. The wilds without planning or heating would've been a nightmare. Other Mums do it though, I wish I'd known some hillwalking Mums back in the day to support me...I know I'll find some if there's a next time :-) And even find some now for Lizzy! Oo idea.....