Early childhood is the most powerful time to explore our natural world. Children need to spend time outdoors to appreciate its wonder. Be careful not to restrict experiences. Dirt is messy but not unhealthy. Children digging in dirt for worms may not be aesthetic, but it isn't unsanitary. Lie on your back and look at the patterns of the clouds or the sunlight through the trees. Viewing the outdoors as natural gives children permission to explore the world around them. And, helps them to appreciate the inspiration, awe, and majesty of our earth. We as parents can role-model being open to our messy-natural world, appreciate a dirty child making mud pies and delight in helping them measure rainfall. Teaching children to love and care for their environment will have life long positive effects for kids and our earth around us!