Beyond the Nest
Rochester Newsletter
June 1, 2017
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Be a Deer, A Lesson in Self-Sufficiency - Note from the Editor
 Last year, our family vacationed in the mountains of Virginia. I was surprised at how acclimated to people the wildlife had become. Because they didn't feel threatened by those vacationing at Massanutten, you could get quite close to many of them. We saw deer, woodchucks, an opossum and even a skunk from less than 20 yards away. I jumped at the opportunity to get some wildlife footage.
As I stood filming a female deer grazing along the side of the road, I suddenly heard noise in the underbrush across the street. Loping across the road came an adorable fawn, intent on nursing. I was fortunate to be able to catch the bonding moment between the two (see the video below).
After a few minutes, the mother dislodged and moved off. The fawn, apparently, didn’t feel he was done, for he tried to latch on again. Again, the mother moved off. This happened once more before the fawn got the message and reluctantly turned to munch on grass.
I couldn’t help thinking about this as a fine parenting model…to slowly wean our almost-adult children off "a free lunch."
Our role as parents is to love our children enough to step back and allow them to become self-sufficient adults, so they can navigate the world alone. It’s not easy, as I am finding. As loving parents, our first reaction is to remove the pain…to jump in and make it all better. But in the long run, that doesn’t really help them. The most loving thing we can do is to progressively teach. then encourage them tp forage for themselves.
As they learn independence and move further and further away in the forest, it can be painful. Our minds tell us that’s the way it must be, but in our hearts, it can feel like loss. It is necessary, though, so they learn to fend off the wild things on their own. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean they won’t find their way back home. And once they've learned to forage for themselves, that "free lunch" (a.k.a. the Sunday Family Dinner or Friday night fish fry) might just taste all the sweeter.
P.S. I hope someone reminds me of my own words once my daughters leave for school in the fall. |
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Momma deer gives her fawn a lesson in self-sufficiency
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The Great DuBois at the JCC this Saturday and Sunday!
The Great DuBois comedy-variety circus act at the JCC on Saturday, June 3 at 11am & 2pm and Sunday, June 4 at 2pm & 4:30pm. The show features Michael DuBois alongside his long-time partner, the athletically gifted Viktoria Grimmy, a fifth-generation circus performer and aerialist. Together, the performers meld their impressive physical and athletic skill – and obvious chemistry together – with a highly unique brand of performance comedy designed for audience members of all ages.
Click here for more information.
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 Join the Y for the summer! The Y is waiving its joining fee from June 2 - June 11!
Let's hear it for summertime fun at the YMCA! The YMCA of Greater Rochester will be waiving their joining fee from June 2 - June 11, a savings up to $75! Summer is the perfect time to keep your family active & healthy over summer!
The Y offers fun for the whole family; so many exercise classes, outdoor pools and splash pads, its quality active family time! When you join the Y, you receive reduced pricing on summer camp, swimming, sports, programs, and more. The Y's outdoor aquatic center provides an opportunity for kids to be kids and for families & friends top connect with each other and stay cool! The Y offers financial assistance to those that need it, which is made possible through generous support from the community through their Annual Campaign.
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The Corn Hill Arts Festival is in July! Sign up NOW to build a Fairy House with your family, club, business, or kids group!
It's time to sign up to build a Fairy House! This year's Corn Hill Arts Festival in July will host the 5th Annual Fairy Houses Tour! Last year, over 7,000 visitors toured over 50 miniature houses created by people from the Rochester community! The 10 winning Fairy Houses were displayed at the Strong museum.
It’s easy, fun and FREE for families, individuals, and teams to participate. If you would like to build a fairy house for the 2017 event, CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up!
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101 Day Trips from Rochester
Looking for a fun staycation adventure or an awesome day trip for less than a tank of gas. Beyond the Nest has over 100 ideas for places to go where you can explore, learn, and have fun! And we even bet you haven't heard of some of them!
Find the whole list, plus a map to start planning your trips, HERE.
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Father's Day - June 18, 2017
 Although the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19. 1910 in the state of Washington, it took until 1972 to finally became a nationally-recognized holiday.
For many of us, Father's Day is every day - at least in our hearts. Still, it's great that there is one special day we set aside to celebrate Dad. This year, Father's Day falls on June 18. If you're looking to share a fun experience with the man in your life on his special day - whether it's your father, your husband or your son - look no further! We've put together a list of activities designed to please!
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