Six things you (and your child) can learn from “loving butterflies, slugs and all things creepy crawly”

Photo by Aussiegall, Flickr - CC BY 2.0

 
1.  Notice the little things
How often do we stop and appreciate the small things in life; the little steps; the little accomplishments and the finer details. Taking the time to observe creepy crawlies teaches us to be more observant and appreciate how each creature fits into this amazing world. 


2. Appreciate differences
Look at the diverse range of sizes, shapes, colours and habitats of creepy crawlies, even within the one species. It would be so boring if butterflies or beetles were all the same. That they are different makes them exceptional. Perhaps if we learn to be accepting of the differences in the critter world, we will apply this knowledge to each other.


Photo by Robynejay, Flickr - CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

3.  Be inspired
Find artistic inspiration in the colours, patterns and textures of creepy crawlies and their homes. Let them inspire your decorating, writing, doodles or provide a focus for your photography. Check out artists like Jane Davenport, famous for her ladybird photos and Kjell Sandved who spent 24 years finding the alphabet in the patterns of butterfly wings.


Photo: "Walking on Clouds" by Jane Davenport used with permission © 

4.  Discover patience and inner peace
Take 10 minutes out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, be still and just observe. Watch a butterfly flitter from flower to flower. Breathe. Take in the world around you. It’s an amazing place and you will feel so much better for it.


5.  Spend time Bonding
Creepy crawlies are the perfect way to bond with your child. Take them on bug explorations. Photograph (or draw) your shared experience and use the photos to engage in further research, conversation and preserve precious memories. 


Photo by Salimfadhley, Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
6.  Face your fears
What are you afraid of? You are so much bigger than any butterfly, slug or creepy crawly. Yes, some can bite, sting and are poisonous. But, most are harmless and it is important not to pass on unfounded fears to your children. Take the time to identify the more common creatures around you and teach your children which ones require expert handling, and which ones are touchable. Many internet sites can assist with species identification, as can your local school or museum.

Slime can be fun … really!

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Photo by Swamibu, Flickr - CC BY-NC 2.0 

Slugs

Isn’t it wonderful how children have a natural fascination with the creatures in our world, even the slimy ones? 

My nephew, who is autistic and my daughter have always loved to find quiet nooks in the garden to relax and de-stress.  They spend hours examining leaves, flowers and ‘creatures’.  They use all their senses – smelling the perfume of the flowers and crushing scented leaves; listening to the sound of insects and the creak of the trees; feeling the different textures, feeling insects, caterpillars and slugs crawl over their hands, looking closely at all the tiny elements and colour that make up a backyard garden; talking and singing quietly to themselves the whole time.  I deliberate plant gardens with as much variety as possible, both for the children and to provide a home for insects, lizards, birds and frogs and any other creature that finds its way in.

Recently the kids went outside to play in the sandpit only to discover it still contained the sandpit toys, but had been emptied of sand.  In amongst all the toys were slugs – lots of slugs.  Instead of being upset they sat in the empty sandpit letting the slugs glide over their hands for hours. Feeding them blades of grass, being fascinated by the slug’s mouth and how the optic and sensory tentacles retracted when touched.  Yes, they had to wash all the slime from their hands when they came inside, but they had fun.  They were peaceful.  They giggled.  They were gentle.  They enjoyed an amazing creature that we usually just try and eliminate from our gardens.

For an interesting look at how leopard slugs reproduce view the following video from the BBC wildlife show and hosted by Sir David Attenborough.