A Day in the Forest – Time Well Spent

Today, we decided to step out of the house and enjoy a walk through Snagov Forest—just the three of us, my boys and me, along with our beloved dog, Coronița. We needed fresh air, a bit of peace, and time together without phones or rushing anywhere. The weather was perfect, the sun warm but gentle, and the forest smelled of damp earth and dry leaves. Along the way, we came across snowdrops and violets, a sure sign that spring is slowly making its way in.

Recently, I’ve become a big fan of Gabor Maté, and I’m currently reading his latest book, Hold On to Your Kids. He explains why children need emotional connection with their parents more than anything else. In a world where parent-child relationships are often replaced by technology, peer influences, or societal pressure, spending time together becomes an essential anchor.

This walk was not just about physical exercise—it was a reaffirmation of our bond. Out in nature, away from the noise of the city, we were able to talk freely, without interruptions, about anything that came to mind. The walk ended up being longer than my boys would have liked, and at some point, they started complaining that their feet hurt. But between breaks, we had so much fun. We talked about all sorts of things, laughed, challenged each other with little games, and, most importantly, we truly paid attention to one another. Coronița, as usual, was the most excited—running back and forth, sniffing every bush, and fully enjoying her freedom. I think her energy inspired us to relax and embrace the moment even more.

Connecting with nature is essential not just for physical health but also for emotional and spiritual balance. Trees don’t judge, the forest doesn’t rush anyone, and fresh air seems to clear the mind. Walking through the woods helped us feel the calm and be more present. It was a moment when we could truly observe how much nature influences our inner state. While the boys focused on the flowers along the path or stopped to touch the tree bark, I realized how instinctive it is for us to seek this connection with the Earth.

These simple moments are crucial for a child’s development. They help them grow more confident, express their thoughts without fear of being rushed or dismissed, and build trust in their family and themselves. When we give them our full attention, we show them that they are seen, heard, and that their feelings matter.

What did each of us take away from this day? I was left with a deep sense of peace and gratitude for being fully present, without rushing. My boys, with the feeling of being heard and having experienced a little adventure—despite the fatigue. And Coronița? Undoubtedly, she was the happiest, having enjoyed all the attention and the new scents to explore.

It’s not always easy to disconnect from everything, but it’s worth it. These are the moments that last, that help our children grow beautifully, and that bring us closer together. And even though by the end of the day their feet were tired, our hearts were fuller than ever.