What a glorious blessing it is to be a parent! Having said that, I'll be the first to admit, it's never a straightforward or easy gig, that's for certain, but it is incredible to experience a warm glow in my heart when my vibrant and creative 7-year-old daughter, Jarrah, surprises me. It occurs in those moments when you see your child achieving something extraordinary, or as in my case, when I bear witness to her interactions and bond with the natural world around her (Fig. 1).It's been my mission from Day 1 to ensure Jarrah has daily nature moments and plenty of time outdoors, getting dirty, exploring and becoming comfortable with the natural environment. Starting out as a little babe strapped to my back in a baby carrier, reaching out to feel the texture of the tree bark or the softness of its leaves, to embarking on long hikes with a pack on her back, ready for adventure and exploring new wild places, Jarrah truly loves and respects nature.
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