Note: Last year my partner wrote a very funny post about Polar Bear Moms as a response to the controversy over Tiger Moms. Now as the media is reporting about the banning of balls and tree climbing in school playgrounds one day and the startup of Forest Schools starting in North America the next, I think it is time to get the polar bear perspective back. Don’t you?
Polar Bear Kids rules
1. Dress for the weather
2. Never complain about being properly dressed
Kids are not allowed to complain about being properly dressed. They have to learn from an early age how to dress for the weather for warmth and comfort.
3. Kids go outside no matter the weather
Before Polar Bear Kids were able to walk they were forced to go into nature in strollers. Babies sleeping in prams outside (even in the winter), two year olds walking on slippery ice and don't get me started on the trees they have to climb or how dirty Polar Bear Kids get.
4. Master the art of getting dirty
If kids go outside for 30 minutes and come back with dirty hands after playing in the garden they are quickly sent back out until they are at least covered to the elbow with dirt and hopefully on the face and certainly the knees. It takes uncounted hours to master the art of getting dirty and kids need to practice, practice, practice.
5. For Polar Bear Kids, insist on fresh air, sunlight and play.
Every day the kids are exposed to fresh air, sunlight, play and physical activities. Nature has designed these activities to develop creativity, gross & fine motor skills, social development and discipline with a general understanding about the world where they live. Polar Bear Kids have to climb trees, ski, water play, make channels and puddles, jump in the rain, pick dandelions and roll down hills.
6. Science, language and art is taught at the preschool level.
Polar bear kids are really academically pushed right away with the introduction of natural and social sciences at an early age. Learning about animals and plants, picking berries, animal tracks, what happens when we freeze water… I am just scratching the surface and I just realized that they also are sneaking in physics.
7. Polar Bear Kids have to go and play on their own.
And, as if all that pressure wasn't enough! Polar Bear Kids must play outside with no agenda. Yes, I know… Telling kids to go outside to play without any idea of what they are suppose to do may sound a bit strict, and the kids may rebel at this point, but we are tough Polar Bear Parents.
8. Polar Bear Kids never complain about having too much fun.
Kids certainly would never be allowed to complain about going outside and playing games and exploring without adult interference. Sure it looks like a bunch of silly fun, but a polar bear mom sees only the social, physical and cognitive benefits.
