Nature, Literature, and Bonding: The Power of Books with Emily Liebel

Helping Families Be Happy

On today's episode, host Dr. Carla Marie Manley, a clinical psychologist and author from Sonoma County, California, talks to Emily Liebel, about her role on the website “Run Wild, My Child”. Emily shares her passion for children's books and the importance of encouraging kids to read. She emphasizes her dual enthusiasm for outdoor activities and reading, highlighting how she has combined the two for children. The discussion emphasizes the significance of talking about the book and its content during the walk, reinforcing the connection between literature and nature.

Episode Highlights

• 02:04: Emily reveals an interesting detail that she and her two brothers are named after notable literary figures. Emily is named after the renowned poet, Emily Dickinson.
• 02:17: Books and literature played a significant role in Emily's childhood. It was not just about reading but also bonding over the stories, lessons, and experiences from the literature they consumed. This formed an integral part of their quality family time.
• 03:00: Carla asks Emily about the role of books in her childhood, specifically if they had bedtime stories or how books were integrated into their daily routine.
• 04:49: Emily emphasizes the beauty of books related to the outdoors and the profound impact they can have on children. She shares her experiences of combining outdoor activities with reading to children, highlighting how one complements the other.
• 05:18: Emily recommends a beautifully illustrated book, Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," and describes how she uses it as a prelude to outdoor activities to enrich the experience for her kids.
• 07:24: The website “Run Wild, My Child”, aims to help parents who are looking to get their kids more involved in outdoor activities. It offers various suggestions, ranging from craft ideas to book recommendations, with the goal of reducing screen time and encouraging kids to play outside.
• 08:33: Emily expresses her love for writing for the website, sharing her passion for using books as a tool to inspire outdoor activities for children. She is in the process of writing another piece focusing on books for the colder seasons like fall and winter.
• 09:30: Carla accepts that through sources of inspiration like "Run Wild My Child", parents can easily find new ideas and paths to explore with their kids, without the stress of having to come up with them on their own.
• 10:52: For micro adventure, Emily explains a simple activity of observing and collecting different leaves during the fall, noting the changes in colours. The goal is to appreciate the beauty of changing seasons and nature.
• 11:49: Carla delves into the idea that these activities can be customized based on the individual's available time. A more extended adventure could involve a long drive, while a short one might be a quick stroll in the neighbourhood.
• 12:35: Emily emphasizes that books like "Sunday fun day" encompass a wide range of outdoor activities. They offer crafts, games, and "I spy" type challenges alongside recipes suitable for outdoor cooking. She brings attention to another series of books that are divided by season. These books provide a multitude of recipes, crafts, and activities for each season.
• 13:35: Carla shifts the topic to a more poignant issue: how families can use books and outdoor experiences to initiate conversations on matters such as eco-anxiety and environmental care.
• 14:53: Emily also has a personal favourite on eco-anxiety: a community garden-themed counting book. This beautifully illustrated book showcases various community members collaborating to nurture a shared garden.
• 15:37: Carla believes that books provide an avenue for children to channel their anxieties and learn that positive change is possible. They promote a stronger bond with nature, teaching the importance of caring for and utilizing outdoor spaces for the collective good.
• 16:00: Emily emphasizes the vast range of topics books cover and the ease of finding them either through personal online searches or by visiting local establishments. She suggests consulting with local librarians as they stay updated with recent publications and have first-hand knowledge of the books available in their collection. They can thus quickly recommend relevant titles.
• 17:30: Emily stresses the importance of reflection by comparing personal experiences with those of characters in books. This helps children process their emotions and learn from their adventures.
• 18:02: Emily asserts that books can catalyse a child's imagination, turning their reading experiences into real-life adventures, enhancing both their creativity and pleasure.

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3 Key Points

1. Emily Liebel emphasizes the harmonious blend of outdoor activities and reading for children. Through books like Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," children are introduced to nature in a literary context, allowing them to experience the outdoors through the lens of literature.
2. The conversation sheds light on how books can be powerful tools in initiating discussions on environmental issues like eco-anxiety. Emily's recommendation, a community garden-themed counting book, demonstrates how literature can foster a sense of community and highlight collaborative efforts to care for the environment.
3. Emily accentuates the transformative power of books in sparking a child's imagination. By reading and reflecting, children are not only enhancing their creativity but also turning their literary experiences into tangible, real-world adventures.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Books are not just about reading; they're about bonding over stories, lessons, and experiences.” - Emily
• "Nature and literature go hand-in-hand. 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost is more than just a poem; it's a prelude to outdoor adventures.” - Emily
• "Run Wild, My Child' is a beacon for parents looking to combine the beauty of nature and the power of literature. Less screen time, more green time!" - Emily
• "Books are gateways, transforming reading experiences into real-life adventures, sparking creativity and joy in young minds.” - Emily

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• https://runwildmychild.com/
• Podcast Editing