Reflect

Then, out of nowhere, as I was contemplating how discombobulating life feels, I spotted a big, chumbly-bumbly blackish, orange, bumble bee outside my office door that had landed on a lavender row.

There are eight common types of bumble bee, but seeing an ‘early’ one is a joyous experience that signifies hope, sunshine, life cycles, creation, Winnie the Pooh, waggle dances, scientific innovation and (when you think about the Queen Bee) girl power! American poet, Walt Whitman, wrote about the bumble bee, referencing its hum as evoking a sense of the earth's vibrant energy and life force. I like this idea, but for me, the bee represents persistence; it knows what it needs and is determined to seek it out. It’s on a mission!

Attracting bees to one’s green space or garden is one terrific thing that we can all do to make the world a better place. What do we need to do? Bees are attracted to flowers that provide nectar and pollen. Consider planting a variety of native flowers and plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. Some bee-friendly options include: lavender, sunflowers, herbs like thyme, mint, and rosemary, and wildflowers like poppies, daisies, and clovers. Bees need water to drink, so add a shallow birdbath or a small dish of water with rocks in it. The rocks allow bees to land safely without drowning. Bees, especially solitary bees, need places to nest. Consider providing a habitat by installing a bee hotel: small wooden structures with drilled holes where solitary bees can nest. If you have space for a hive, fabulous. If you don’t, consider adopting one.

If you are a teacher, you can use ready-made curriculum resources in class to teach about bumble bee conservation. If you work in a junior school, get your order in early from The British Bee Charity. They will send you an educational pack, together with a BeeBomb which are native, wildflower seedballs, handmade in Dorset, England. Divine! If this paragraph has whetted your appetite to become a bee-keeper, learn more here.

Motivate

When I was a postgraduate student, the first day I arrived at my ‘digs’ or accommodation, I went into the kitchen to find a list of the other young women who were registered as living at the same address. Everyone had written down their name and beside their name, their subject. Two stood out: Manuella (Astronomy – Clusters of Galaxies) was on the top floor on the right and Teca (Biology – DNA Proteins), second floor. Other scientists that I came across during those years at university were studying rockets, nanoparticles, forensic pathology, the history of science, material science and something called ‘facial recognition genes in sheep’. I am sure you can think of female scientists that you know (perhaps you are one), but let’s face it, there are now many role models in science that we can talk about, read about or introduce our children to. If you don’t know where to start talking to children about some of the most famous female scientists, the Nobel Prize website lists them. Spend a few minutes watching this video with your children or teens. Read a little about Marie Curie or watch this clip. Tell your children that Marie Curie is still the only individual to receive the prize in two different science categories!

Where does such scientific endeavour begin? How can we cultivate or create conditions within which children can wonder in our home lives? Children need a chance to ask questions, to be curious and explore in an uninhibited way perhaps, through play? How can they wonder why the sky is blue or why the leaves change in autumn if they aren’t out in nature? How can they develop an appreciation for the wonder of the world without us modelling the importance of doing just that? How can we introduce awe to their lives? As I write this, it is a beautiful spring day in England, and it feels exciting to start to contemplate little jaunts out in nature at last!

We can also support children’s curiosity by showing that it is good to ask questions about lots of things, even if we don’t know the answer. Dinnertime conversations and side by side chats when walking or cycling can provide rich time together to puzzle why things are the way they are. We can also teach our children to be comfortable about not knowing all the answers to things immediately and to live with a little bit of uncertainty. One of the things that always struck me about my scientist friends was their extraordinary resilience. Often an experiment that had been ongoing for some time wouldn’t work and it was back to the drawing board. They had to hypothesise, carry out meticulous experiments for lengthy days in labs, but always did so in good humour. A growth mindset was part and parcel of their learning. They persisted. They never gave up, and ‘failure’ was simply the first attempt at learning.

Support

Finding purpose is essential because it gives direction and meaning to our lives. It serves as a guiding force that motivates us to pursue our passions, overcome obstacles, and make decisions that align with our values. Without purpose, we may feel lost or disconnected. When we identify and commit to a purpose, we unlock a deeper sense of satisfaction, contributing not only to our personal growth but also to the wellbeing of those around us. Ultimately, purpose provides the foundation for living a life that feels significant and truly worth living. Being purposeful also helps us feel hopeful. It works for adults just as it does for children and young people. Particularly during challenging times globally, perhaps as parents we can always commit to bringing our children back to what we CAN do something about in our lives; Where can we affect change? How can we stay purposeful? How can we stay hopeful? Children always need a sense of agency in their lives. Knowing they can make a difference is empowering and motivating for them.

As witnessed on the scenes on television and social media recently, even amidst mounds of war rubble or as sirens blare out in war zones, some children will often find a way to play; to derive pleasure and wonder from the rawest of materials and in the darkest of circumstances.

This ability to find joy, even in the most harrowing situations, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and underscores the vital importance of maintaining a sense of purpose. For children, play is not just an escape; it is a survival tool, a means of processing trauma, and a powerful expression of hope. By fostering an environment where children can continue to play, create, and dream, we help them reclaim their agency, rebuild their sense of normalcy, and hold onto a future filled with possibilities.