A childhood wellbeing research

The latest issue of TOTLINE just reached my hands this afternoon. When I was taking a quick browse, my eyes were captured by a title - Nature and Childhood.

The writer talks about a report recently done by the Commissioner for Children and Young People regarding the views of WA Children which aged 5-18 years old about their wellbeing and the main factors they identified as important for having a full life. Among almost 1000 WA participants, 56% consider family to be the most important to their sense of wellbeing. Also, in the wellbeing research, children talked a lot about their time with families outdoor, such as at the beach, climbing trees, fishing, camping or simply playing in the backyard. Moreover, the writer mentioned her interview with the Commissioner Michelle Scott. Michelle had brought up some opinions which impressed me and I would like to share with you.

"At first glance, the wellbeing reserch findings of fun and activity and freedom and independence would seem to have the clearest link to nature and the outdoors, but underpinning these is also the importance of relationships."
"Younger children in the wellbeing research often linked freedom to getting out in the open to play in a less supervised or structured way."
"We know that for younger children, appropriately designed playgrounds can help cognitive and physical development, while unstructured play in a natural setting can build self-confidence, develop their understanding of risk and help build a respect for the natural environment."
------Michelle Scott, Nature and Childhood

I am thinking back to my chilhood and it is so true that my most favourite thing was spending time outside - discovering treasure at the beach, having picnics with my families and things like that. I used to draw a lot when I was very young and I recall my artwork were full of silly characters doing cloud-gazing, sands-playing, fishing and tree climbing, etc.. And the most important thing is, when I am thinking back now, I do have a feel a sence of happiness and wellbeing!

You may also want to think it back to feel that sence:) But after that, I suggest that we all take a moment to think what kind of childhood memories we want our beloved children have. Let's go from today out to discover what "nearby nature" is in our community:-)

1st group activity at Lake Monger (second part)

(Cont'd) The hightlight for the outing was helping to pick up litter while enjoying our beautiful nature along the way. The small clean up packs were kindly supplied by 'Keep Australia Beautiful WA/Department of Environment and Conservation'.

Each of the families was given hand outs including fact, information and activity sheets at the beginning. With the help of these information, we were delighted at discovering various birds such as Majestic Black Swan(Cygnus atratus), wood duck, Eurasian Coot, Purple Swamp Hen, Shelduck during our walk.

Look at these beautiful birds we found!

The kids had a wonderful trip too - Tekes liked his bike riding while others were excited in their prams and tricycle. We paused to rest and had free play at different nice sunshedded playgrounds.

Time passed so fast! When we got back to Dodds Street, we just realized that it had took us nearly 3 hours.

It is not only a great day meeting up with friends, a wonderful time being with families, but it also is a time for us to know our environment, our city better and to love it more. Especially for myself a new settler in Perth, that is something that I really treasure. I am looking forward to our next ourdoor group activity - and I am hoping to see more fresh faces joining us!

1st group activity at Lake Monger (first part)

The first exciting event of our Natural Wonders family nature group was held successfully on 13 February, 2011. Thanks to all the contributors! Our activity was to take a walk along the 3.5km paved walking track which encircles the lake.



There are four families in total participated in this event. We are one of the excited families. Our destination is Lake Monger, which is called “the home to the black swan”. It is a large urban wetland on the Swan Coastal Plain in Perth, nestled between the suburbs of Leederville, Wembley and Glendalough. (to be continued...)

First NWFNG excursion rescheduled

Due to the threat of Cyclone Bianca last Sunday we have rescheduled our first event to Sunday 13th February! Hopefully the weather gods will be in our favour this time. We all look forward to kicking off 2011 with an enjoyable walk around Lake Monger.