You’ll see our mission repeated throughout this Web site. We created Gigglemoose.com with the specific purpose of "exploring and preserving nature with children, parents & teachers."
We aren’t scientists backed by a noted research institute. We aren’t environmental extremists seeking to tear down human civilization. We’re just simple Earth-dwellers interested in enjoying the natural wonders our planet has to offer, and learning how we can preserve those wonders for future generations. We are firm believers in the idea that giving is more important than taking. So when you consider all that humans take from planet Earth, don’t you think the very least we can give back is a little care and consideration? For goodness sake, it’s in our own best interest!
We are also firm believers in the idea that knowledge is power. And, while there will always be selfish people who couldn’t care less about matters that don’t directly affect them, there are many more people who do care but just aren’t informed. Those are the people we want to reach, especially parents and teachers. If we can raise successive generations to be aware of important environmental issues, to be educated about how our planet’s life-supporting ecosystem functions, we’ll be empowering them to make their world a better place.
As parents of five wonderful children, we irk more than a few environmentalists for our contribution to the legitimate concern of overpopulation. Yet the blessing of children has only heightened our concern for the planet. Besides, if we can raise five kids (a daunting task, to be sure!) that have genuine respect and concern for themselves, their fellow human beings, and the natural world in which they live, we think the world will be a better place. And that seems like an even trade to us.
Sharing nature with our children is important to us. When we turned to the Internet for new sources of learning, we thought, "why not put together our own site to share with ALL children?" And so we have, helped the entire way by our own overeager kids---just like in the garden!
We are trying to entertain as much as educate. Children have an almost insatiable hunger to learn, but they don’t like being bored. In our humble opinion (and this is backed by most of our kids’ teachers), the most effective teaching actively involves children, and the most memorable lessons are enjoyable ones. The bottom line is, kids want to have fun---and so do we! So when we cover serious environmental topics like acid rain, pollution, and endangered species---which can frighten younger minds, or cause needless anxiety---we always do so with a focus on hope. By offering solutions as well as the troubling facts, children feel like they can make things better . . . which they can. Despite what anybody tells you, one person absolutely CAN make a difference. Of course, our primary focus is to get kids outside where they can enjoy and appreciate mother nature!
You’ll notice that we also sell a whole slew of merchandise. Does the element of commercialism taint our efforts? We hope not. Obviously, we’re not in this for the money. You’ll never read about this site making us millions as a hot, new Internet IPO! But it does have expenses that we need to cover. So we’ve hand-picked exciting, educational products related to our mission. Time is a precious commodity, and ours is already spread thin between parenting, our regular "9-to-5" jobs (which never seem limited to those hours, do they?), and our own efforts to enjoy the great outdoors with our family. The moral of the story is simple: the more money we make, the more time we can dedicate to Gigglemoose.com!
Anyone who’s taken a leisurely stroll outside with a child---as a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, teacher, or volunteer---knows how rewarding that experience can be. The innocent fascination, rapt attention, and endless curiosity of children is contagious. What a wonderful feeling to re-discover the joys of nature with a child! That’s the exact same feeling we want to capture with this Web site. So as you race through the hectic pace of contemporary society, remember to take time out for some of the more important things in life.
Take time out for the planet. Take time out for a child.
John & Wendy Schlim
Nottingham, New Hampshire
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