Mentor of Beauty

　　Let us be his "beauty mentors."
　　There are many different methods and paths, but let's start with the easiest and most direct: take them closer to nature.
　　Observing children's drawings, we can find that the younger the child, the greater their yearning for nature. Although their subjects are centered on the individual, they always include a sun, a mountain, or a small flower in every picture.
　　Everything in nature is a source of creation. Children have sensitive and perceptive hearts, and all their childhood memories are deeply etched in their minds. One day, two days, one year, two years—on the surface, you may not see any difference, but I can assure you that your efforts will not be in vain.
　　As for how to cultivate this contact? I think it can begin when the baby is able to go outside for sunbathing. Of course, if you believe in prenatal education, you can start even earlier. If you live in the countryside or suburbs, it's less of a problem, but if you live in a bustling city, it will be a little more challenging for the mother.
　　A female writer, whose home was near the Taipei Botanical Garden when her child was young, often took her child for walks. During these walks, she would teach her young child to identify one or two plants, carefully observing the differences in flowers, leaves, and branches, in addition to recognizing their names. After the child grew up and the mother passed away, the child, in writing a tribute to her mother, admitted that although they had spent many happy times together, the most unforgettable were still the walks in the botanical garden during her childhood.
　　Imagine a young mother, holding her toddler's small, delicate hand, strolling in the shade of greenery—this act itself is a beautiful picture. The mother derives great joy from it, let alone the young, sensitive heart.
　　Perhaps some mothers think this is impossible. First, they don't have the time; second, they don't live near the botanical garden; third, walks require leisure and tranquility, and with such a hectic life and demanding work, how can they take their children for walks every day? Feeding and clothing them is already exhausting enough.
　　Mr. Zhang Tianlin, the author of *The Book of Chinese Mothers*, made a thought-provoking statement: "China does not suffer from material poverty, but from spiritual poverty."
　　"Poverty of the spirit!" How terrible! Chinese people love to put up slogans like, "Today's children are the pillars of the future." "Children are the seedlings of the nation"—every adult would nod in agreement and firmly believe it. But few, if any, notice the enrichment of children's hearts. Can seedlings grow well without water?
　　In fact, we can easily meet children's needs. For example, after a day's work, parents can take their children for a walk near their home, or water the plants on the balcony. Perhaps just ten minutes a day; if not every day, even twice a week, or once a week, will do. Let children observe the world with you, let nature enter their hearts.
　　Children will know gratitude.