Taking kids outside at night builds wonder and joy.
Last weekend we hosted a party to celebrate the dark. It was ostensibly a Halloween party, with costumes and bobbing for apples, but the main ingredients were simply nine kids running around in the dark.
Kids love to be outside at night. Whether it's the glow of street lamps in the neighborhood, or spotting the moon, darkness gives children a thrill.
Besides standing at early morning bus stops, however, kids rarely get to experience the dark night. We stay inside with lights on. Darkness is linked to fear. But darkness is a wonderful way to explore the world and feel connected to nature.
As a camp counselor, I used to take night hikes with groups of 12-year-olds. Most had never taken a walk at night. At first they clung close together in fear. As we played games in the dark and gazed at the stars together the fear wore off and was replaced with wonder.
Darkness connects us to our deepest roots. Darkness gives us a sense of infinity. Darkness sparks questions and awe. Darkness makes us come together for friendship and companionship. Darkness in nature reminds us we are not the only ones living here. Darkness, combined with a pack of excited children, leads to chase games and delighted squeals of fun.
If you haven't taken your kids for a nighttime walk, try it. Many kids are scared of the dark when it comes to dark rooms and spooky closets, but holding your hand in the dark is a companionable adventure. Darkness isn't just for Halloween. Share fun in the dark year-round.
What are your favorite memories of the dark? Have you taken kids outside at night?
I was briefly frightened of closets and unlit rooms and basements as a child, but I loved being outside at night; on a farm, outside at night was, ironically, a safe place. Just this week, I felt that shiver of energy when the dark came on with howling wind, and I felt that same embrace of the night as exciting and thrilling. But also safe. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, it's funny how closets and basements are the "dark" that scares kids, but the real dark doesn't so much. Thanks for sharing your love of night!
The darkness is mistery, is does not have adjectives of color. Everywhere wacht the dark is interesting. Good idea