Fall is a season that inspires reflection, gratitude, and connection with the beauty around us. While northern regions are painting their landscapes with breathtaking reds, oranges, and yellows, here in Florida, we’re embracing the start of our growing season. Farmers’ markets are bursting with life, welcoming us with fresh produce and vibrant flowers. It’s a time of abundance and appreciation—a perfect opportunity to teach our children about the gifts nature provides.
This month I thought it woud be fun to share fall activity ideas I’ve done with my kids. As parents, we want to instill a sense of wonder and gratitude in our children, and natural skincare routines offer a wonderful way to do that. Every ingredient we use has a story, rooted in the earth and crafted by nature to nourish and heal. This season, let’s explore how skincare can become a meaningful way to honor and connect with the natural world.
Explore the Ingredients: What’s Inside the Jar?
When applying a product like our Mindfully Natural Calendula Cream, take a moment to talk with your children about the plants and natural ingredients that make it so special. Understanding where these plants come from, their properties, and the environments in which they grow can open the door to a fun and engaging geography lesson.
Calendula Flower Extract
- What It Does: Calendula is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it perfect for soothing irritated skin. It comes from vibrant yellow and orange flowers often seen blooming in gardens.
- Where It Grows: Calendula thrives in temperate climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide as a garden favorite.
- Geography Lesson: Look up the Mediterranean region on a map and discuss its warm climate and rich history. Compare the plants and flowers in your local area to those that flourish in Mediterranean gardens.
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
- What It Does: Aloe vera is a hydrating powerhouse, known for soothing dry or sunburned skin. Often called the "plant of immortality," it has been used in remedies for thousands of years.
- Where It Grows: Aloe vera thrives in hot, arid climates and is commonly found in regions like North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Asia and the Americas.
- Geography Lesson: Explore desert regions where aloe vera grows naturally. Discuss how these areas have adapted to limited water resources, and compare aloe’s thick, moisture-retaining leaves to other desert plants like cacti.
Rice Extract
- What It Does: Rich in antioxidants, rice extract helps protect and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. It has been a beauty staple in many Asian cultures for its nourishing and brightening effects.
- Where It Grows: Rice is grown in water-rich environments, often in flooded fields called paddies. It thrives in countries like China, India, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Geography Lesson: Locate major rice-growing regions on a world map and discuss how water availability shapes agriculture. Explore the role of rice in different cuisines and cultures around the globe.
Hands-On Learning: Nature Walks and Library Adventures
To deepen their understanding and curiosity, take your children on a nature walk to look for plants that remind them of the ingredients in their skincare products. While calendula or aloe vera may not grow locally, this activity fosters an appreciation for plant life in general. Point out flowers, leaves, and trees, and talk about how plants contribute to our health and the environment.
Follow up with a visit to the library or look up books on plants and their uses in skincare and health. A few ideas to explore:
- Books about herb gardens and their history.
- Stories about the lifecycle of plants and their roles in ecosystems.
- Creative activities like drawing their favorite plants or creating a simple "thank you" note to nature.
Practice Gratitude Together
End the day by discussing what your family learned and how you can show gratitude for nature’s gifts. Here are some meaningful ways to incorporate these lessons into daily life:
- Plant a Small Herb or Flower Garden: Work together to grow your own little patch of nature. Watching plants thrive teaches patience, care, and appreciation for the earth.
- Create a "Gratitude for Nature" Jar: Encourage your children to write down something they love about the natural world, such as a favorite flower, tree, or outdoor activity, and add it to the jar throughout the season.
- Make Nature Art: Collect leaves, twigs, or flowers during a nature walk and create art projects together. Use the art to decorate your home and serve as a reminder of your connection to nature.
- Adopt a "Nature Spot": Choose a favorite local park or nature trail and make it your family’s special place to visit regularly. Notice small changes in plants and wildlife as the seasons evolve, cultivating awareness and appreciation.
Bringing It All Together
By doing these activities, you’re teaching your kids not only about the plants themselves but also about the diverse climates and ecosystems that allow these plants to grow. This can be a fun way to combine science, geography, and even history into a single activity. Consider creating a "plant passport" where your child draws or writes about each plant, its properties, and where it grows, turning the learning process into a hands-on adventure.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
With love,
Maggie Aldana