“Walk slow. Say ‘Look—leaves with teeth!’ Then chase the wind like it owes you candy. 🍂”
— Nana
This moment isn’t about getting somewhere fast. It’s about noticing the quiet magic right under your feet, above your head, and in the rustle of the air.
Dear tired parent—your child doesn’t need perfect photos or packed schedules. They just need you to stop, look up, and say, 'Hey—look at this!' And then let them run.
What it means for your child
Slow down. Let wonder lead the way.
- Babies: Gently hold your baby near a tree. Whisper, 'Look—leaves with teeth!' as the wind moves them.
- Toddlers: Let them touch a fallen leaf. Say 'teeth!' and giggle together—then chase the breeze without goals.
- Preschoolers: Ask, 'Where did the wind go?' and follow their wild guesses. Run like you’re chasing a giggling ghost.
- School-age kids: Let them write or draw what the wind stole. No right answer—just joy in the chase.
Try this tonight
Tonight, before bedtime, try this:
- Turn off the screen and sit together by a window.
- Point to a leaf, branch, or shadow—and say 'Look—leaves with teeth!' with wonder in your voice.
- Whisper, 'Let’s chase the wind,' then stand up and move slowly—no race, just sway.
Words you can use
- “Look—leaves with teeth!”
- “Where’s the wind going?”
- “I think it owes us candy.”
At Nana’s Place
Nana's Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, with day, evening and overnight care at two buildings in Glendale. We'd love to meet your family. Book a tour.
Questions parents ask
How do I encourage my child to notice nature when they’re always on screens?
Start small—just 30 seconds. Point to a leaf, cloud, or bug and say something simple like 'Look—leaves with teeth!' Your calm wonder is more powerful than any app.
Is it okay if my child runs wildly while chasing the wind?
Yes! Running freely builds confidence and motor skills. Just make sure they’re in a safe, open space—no stairs, busy roads, or sharp objects nearby.
My toddler won’t sit still long enough to 'notice things.' What do I do?
Don’t ask them to sit. Join their energy. Run with them, laugh as the leaves dance, and say your phrase while moving. They’ll feel safe enough to pause when they’re ready.
