When you live in Alaska, hiking as a family is almost a required activity. For Leonella, her husband, and their young son, it is something they really enjoy. While out hiking, Leonella was preparing to take a family selfie when she noticed something in her son’s hand. A leaf. He had been happily munching on it while they walked along the trail.
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Most kids will stick anything in their mouths. This habit begins as soon as they develop the dexterity to move their hand to their mouth. It typically continues through the toddler years, but can be curbed with active parenting.
Leonella admits that her houseplants have suffered under the leaf-chewing habit of her son. The biggest risk, aside from known poisonous plants, is pesticides. Chewing leaves in the open wilderness shouldn’t pose too much risk, although it’s not something parents should allow to continue indefinitely.
Knowing the plants in your home and those in your landscaping is an important part of baby-proofing your home.
While hiking in a more open area, Leonella noticed that her son had his head on a swivel. She figured he was probably looking for more leaves to munch on.
Fresh air, sunshine, and dirt are actually good for kids. Although eating dirt should be discouraged, playing in dirt is generally considered harmless. Studies have shown that allowing children to engage in normal play outside strengthens their immune system.
For Leonella, raising her son in Alaska will be an adventure in parenting. The combined love of the outdoors from his parents will help shape him into a fine young man. You can follow Leonella and her family’s hiking adventures on TikTok.
Please share if your kids ate weird things.
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