What my toddler taught me about rain, perspective and being present
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Friluftsliv.
It’s a concept I first learned of and embraced 12 years ago while I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in the breathtaking country of Norway — a concept I’ve oft forgotten since.
George
A few weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post about a newer program offered at Hitchcock Nature Center called Wild Sprouts.
My 18-month-old daughter has wanted to spend every free moment outside in recent weeks, so it felt like fate that I’d stumbled upon the post. I immediately signed us up.
As Saturday approached, the weather wasn’t looking great. It began raining as we got loaded into the car that morning.
My first instinct was to stay home. Surely a future event would have better weather.
But my daughter was so excited to don the light-up goulashes and waterproof rain jacket we’d purchased the day before in preparation, and I was reminded of that saying about the weather and the clothing again.
It rained a lot during my time abroad. I spent a good amount of time in clunky, rubber boots, a water-resistant coat that went down to my knees and wool hats.
I’ve always loved the outdoors and my daughter’s desire to be outside makes me hopeful it will be something we can enjoy together.
Wayne Weidenhamer, a member of the Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol, hikes through land added to Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Friday, May 26, 2023.
So as I drove to Hitchcock Nature Center on Saturday, rain pattering my windshield, I told myself there was no such thing as bad weather. After all, we had the right clothing.
Carrying Hazel up to the lodge, her boots — still a bit big at the purchased size up — fell off no less than five times. By the time we got inside, I’d put them back on the wrong feet, an easy fix.
Toddlers wandered around the room as Conservation staff coached parents on the fitting topic of dressing for the weather, also touching on tick safety.
Hazel hugged another child she didn’t know. “Aww,” said the boy’s dad. The boy gave Hazel a side eye and ran to his mom.
We ventured outside and onto the trail behind the lodge. Hazel stopped to look at an acorn and pick up a rock.
I cheered her on as she stomped in a muddy puddle for the first time in her life, her rainbow boots lighting up. She held my hand most of the way.
Staff shared tools for kids to dig and play in the mud. We tried to climb a muddy hill. Hazel had the idea to use a tree for support on a slope all on her own.
The rain had stopped falling before we headed into the trees and continued to hold off. We walked slowly, holding hands. Birds sang.
The surroundings of Heartwood Pavilion at Hitchcock Nature Center include trees similar to those that went into the pavilion’s construction in 2024.
Time nearly stood still. We slowed down — something I struggle to do. I’ve spent years focused on “go” — doing more, accomplishing more, saying “yes” when I don’t have time — assuming being busy means being successful.
There’s a lot of “go” in this job, and I love the work I do, but most things pale in comparison to holding my little girl’s hand in the woods or lifting her up to take in a view of the Loess Hills, knowing we have nothing else “scheduled” but take it all in. Friluftsliv.
I’m grateful for the experience, and for what Pottawattamie Conservation and naturalist Rene Stroud are trying to build with the Wild Sprouts program.
“I wanted to try and make outdoor experiences tangible and important to families,” Stroud said. “I wanted to try and create a fun and relaxed atmosphere where parents could get together with their littles. It’s such an important time to be outside.”
Stroud moved to the area when her daughter was 2 years old; they didn’t know anybody. Having support would’ve opened opportunity, she said.
“I wanted to create a community where parents could support each other and we could help support with some lessons we learned, things I wish I had known 13 years ago when my daughter was little,” Stroud said.
A striped lizard rests on top of a log along a trail at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on Sept. 2, 2022.
Wild Sprouts launched in December to serve the zero to 3 age group. Conservation’s goal is to connect with all ages.
“It’s a lovely time to be present together, letting the child lead a little bit and modeling curiosity for your child,” Stroud said. “It reminds you it feels good to be out here.”
Being outside helps reduce stress and offers benefits for everyone — particularly those young, developing minds — including Vitamin D and connection with senses and balance as well as with nature and each other.
“Those moments, the connections, are what we remember when we’re older,” Stroud said. “Those are the important bits of life.”
If you have young kids, it’s worth your while to keep an eye on the Hitchcock Nature Center and Pottawattamie Conservation pages to sign up for an upcoming session.
From left, Evelyn Mitchell, 5; Felix Doubet, 6; and Greta Urban, 4; take a hike during a session of the Wildlings day camp at Hitchcock Nature Center on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022.
Regardless, families of all ages would do well to get outdoors. It just feels good to breathe fresh air, feel the sun on your face and disconnect from the pull of daily life to enjoy each other.
“One of the beauties and joy of raising your children — we can get so bogged down with everything — they remind us of the simple joys in life,” Stroud said.
All weather offers opportunity for fun, but next week’s 70s look agreeable for those of you not quite yet sold on Friluftsliv.
And the Council Bluffs Public Library graciously offers a free visit to any of the Pottawattamie County parks through its Discovery Pass program.
I’ve never felt more alive than I have standing on top of a mountain — or even a really big hill — and taking it all in. It’s a feeling I hope to share often with my family and one I wish for all our friends in the community.
Rachel George is the executive editor of The Nonpareil.
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