Posted Oct 1, 2023

Childhood is magical. Things happen everyday that you can’t explain.... yet. Fall is one of those times. Think back to your childhood and the wonder of the fall leaves changing colors and then falling to the ground. Millions of pounds of leaves in glorious colors that finally take their final flutter to the earth.

You’ve watched it happen every year, but it is all new and fascinating to your kids. Sure, they saw it happen last year, but their understanding of the world has changed a lot since the last time. Even older kids need to rediscover the magic.

As you plan a trip to enjoy the fall colors – STOP. Just driving around isn’t much different than watching a video screen. You need to experience the leaves. Examine them close up, maybe even with a magnifier. Try to identify which tree they fell from and what type of tree that is. Kick the leaves. Smell the leaves. Throw them at each other. Get buried in them. And of course, pile them up and jump in them.

Let your kids research what is happening to the leaves and then give a verbal report to the family. Each age is going to have a different perspective. But as they try to figure it out, they are learning to be inquisitive, analytical and observing closely. These are tremendously valuable skills.

Learning to really look and not just observe, is life changing. Can they draw some leaves and color them? Can they make a scrapbook of their favorites? Trace around some leaves. Do a rubbing of a leaf. Can they write a story about the life of this leaf – make it come alive? What is the job of a leaf? Why is it cooler under the trees? What happens to a leaf over the winter? Is it something that is just a waste product or is there value in dead leaves? Do leaves disappear during the winter? How do animals and bugs relate to leaves? If I put the leaves in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer, will they retain their color or just turn brown? Try a paper bag and see if there is a difference.

I still remember putting a towel on a table, a layer of wax paper, my favorite leaves, another layer of wax paper and the towel. Then mom ironed everything so the leaves were trapped between the layers of wax. That was 60 years ago – and still vivid in my mind. There are other preservation techniques. Google some. One way is 1 part glycerin and 3 parts water in a tub. Glycerin isn’t expensive and can usually be found at a drug store. After they dry, a mobile could be made to hang from the ceiling of the bedroom so you are sleeping under the falling beautiful leaves. Or save them and decorate your Christmas tree with your colorful leaves this year. Making magic with your kids is what it’s all about.

STOP ‐ don’t miss this chance. Don’t be halfhearted about it. Immerse yourself in the adventure and make a lifetime memory with your kids!

And finally,.... fall asleep in the leaves with the sun filtering through the ones that remain on the tree. Connecting with nature can relieve more stress than any pill or counselor. Your sanity is critical for your family life. You are the creator of life! You too men. Take a break and reconnect with the earth!

Medina County has their yearly Fall Foliage Tour
on Oct. 14 & 15 from Noon – 5
This year's tour is southern Medina County – all around us.
Tour map can be found at: www.medinacountyparks.com
Stop by for a visit and a break –
Free Admission to Discovery Park both days!

That’s what good play is all about.

No directions, nobody telling you that
“you can’t do it that way”.

It’s pure discovery!