21 October 2011

Out-of-Door Life For The Children

I.––A Growing Time

Meals out of Doors.––People who live in the country know the value of fresh air very well, and their children live out of doors, with intervals within for sleeping and eating. As to the latter, even country people do not make full use of their opportunities. On fine days when it is warm enough to sit out with wraps, why should not tea and breakfast, everything but a hot dinner, be served out of doors? For we are an overwrought generation, running to nerves as a cabbage runs to seed; and every hour spent in the open is a clear gain, tending to the increase of brain power and bodily vigour, and to the lengthening of life itself. They who know what it is to have fevered skin and throbbing brain deliciously soothed by the cool touch of the air are inclined to make a new rule of life, Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.

Besides, the gain of an hour or two in the open air, there is this to be considered: meals taken al fresco are usually joyous, and there is nothing like gladness for converting meat and drink into healthy blood and tissue. All the time, too, the children are storing up memories of a happy childhood. Fifty years hence they will see the shadows of the boughs making patterns on the white tablecloth; and sunshine, children's laughter, hum of bees, and scent of flowers are being bottled up for after refreshment.-Charlotte Mason vol 1 page 43

5 comments:

Shonni said...

Good reminder!!!

ccc said...

I really really like this! I am a firm believer in being outdoors as much as possible and in all types of weather. I does refresh the body and the spirit.
Just yesterday the children and I were out in the cold drizzle of October rain. They were in and out of the garage playing and I was walking with small children trailing with me. I like the idea of having tea outside--especially in the cold drizzling rain!
I have never read Charlotte Mason's writings. I know a bit about her philosophy, but that's all. Thanks for posting this.

Suanna said...

I'd love to spend more time outside. I need to be more intentional about it.

OurLilFullFam said...

Love outside here. My kids go crazy when they don't get to go outside. My boys went running outside Tuesday when the sky opened in a downpour to get soaked on purpose - the dog went flying out with them and they were all awet mess - a wet happy mess that I didn't mind cleaning up because I knew how much fun they had!

Stephanie

Jennifer said...

I love being outside. We live in a mild climate and my deck off my kitchen is used more than my kitchen for meals. Just love it.

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