Bugs may be small and easily taken for granted, but they are most children’s first intimate encounter with a wild animal. How they are taught to deal with these small creatures sets the tone for their relationships with larger ones such as birds and amphibians.
To a two year old, there’s no such thing as an ant, a wasp or a spider. They’re all bugs and worth a closer look. Unfortunately, in their zeal to teach children to be wary of dangerous bugs, many adults tend to not discern between those which are poisonous and those which aren’t.
Wounded wolf spider
By showing their disdain for all bugs and killing any that cross their paths, many adults inadvertently teach children that all are to be feared and destroyed at every opportunity.
If you want to live and thrive, let the spider run alive.
~ American Quaker Saying
If handled carefully, even a stink bug will not release the smelly substance in its glands. A gentleness and reverence for all creatures should be taught at an early age. It’s important to remember that, the younger the child, the more she/he learns by modelling rather than by verbal instruction. Colonies of ants found under stones are fascinating to watch as they go about their business. A child who’s shown how to put overturned stones back in place to leave insects undisturbed is more likely to take that care than a child who’s simply told to do so.
Now where did that ant go?
Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.
~ Bradley Millar
Butterflies seem to be the least threatening of bugs to adults and children alike. Colorful and delicate, a child has to learn both patience and quietness in order to approach them successfully. This isn’t easy but well worth the effort and practice.
Red admiral butterfly on a crabapple blossom
The reward is a lifetime of being able to see nature in an up-close and personal manner that allows awe and wonder to enhance any time spent outdoors.
Mourning cloak butterfly
He prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.
~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~ The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
All text and images copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2012
Flandrum Hill 
Good post, sharing on my FB page.
Thank you Patti 🙂
It’s all so true and so beautifully illustrated. We teach empathy and compassion by modelling it. I believe that care for all of nature is an important part of that.
Cindy, it is indeed. How we care for the smallest and most vulnerable is usually an indicator of how we’ll care for the big things as well.
This post really hit home. Thanks so much. While enjoying a reserve area I observed adults and children who so often “yuck yucked” the spiders, non-colorful moths, and beetles. And they became afraid whenever some ‘bug’ rested on their bare skin. I so HOPE you’re compiling your posts for a nature appreciation book for children and parents. You’ve got such lot of wonderful and engagng material. 🙂
Eva, so glad you found something here that resonated with you in your corner of the world. I have been compiling these and am *hoping* to put an e-book together for starters.
Besides spending time outdoors with my grandchildren, I work part-time as a preschool teacher at a large childcare facility. I often bring in a terrarium filled with bugs, salamanders or snakes for the children there to see up close for the day. A few years ago, while we were playing with some colorful plastic tree frogs, a 5 year old told me he had never seen a real live frog in his life before. That was my inspiration.
Oh so much of what you post resonates with me! Never fear that! LOL.
I think what you’re doing with those children is vitally important. Keep it up. Please.
I will spare you the details of how my grandmother created my snake phobia. I’m in recovery, but I still have a long way to go. Children learn what they see their Significant Elders do. What they hear us say–not so much.
Gerry, that is so true. I don’t think children are afraid of anything until they witness that reaction of fear in the adults around them. I’m not sure about Michigan, but we don’t have any deadly snakes or spiders here in Nova Scotia, so there’s just no reason for it.
P.S. That’s a wonderful series of photos. Especially the little head bent over the little toes . . .
Gerry, thank you. Yes, that little one is my bug boy. He can’t get enough of them.
Wise and insightful, Amy. You’re doing an excellent job, teaching your grandkids reverence, love and curiosity towards Mother Nature.
Thanks Reggie. These things seem so obvious to me but sometimes I wonder if it is to everyone. It’s so easy to teach these when you live in a rural setting, but still possible in town.
Wonderful post! So important for young kids to learn to respect nature.
Dustytoes, yes it is important. The earlier we learn this, the lmore years we’re able to practice that respect.
I worked hard to NOT share my snake phobia with my daughter. The result ? She’s zany for snakes … and I got over my fear. Great post Amy-Lynn.
Good for you Sybil… I think 😉
Thanks so much for sharing this! My sister and mom have been (perhaps unintentionally) teaching my 2-year-old niece that all bugs are “Ewww!” It made me kind of sad because I know there are so many interesting bugs that are not threatening and my niece will miss them because she thinks they are “gross”. I’m so glad you’re teaching your children act like a guest in the homes of wildlife!