Sit... Watch, Listen, Be Still

The Seton Watch…A Number 1 Big Screen Family Favorite

What is a Seton Watch? How can it be the most enjoyed Big Screen Family Activity?

First: Ernest Seton lived from 1860-1946. He was a naturalist, an artist and an author. The Seton Watch is named after him. It was Seton’s idea to sit quietly to watch until the ripples of his presence in a natural area died away. Then he could observe animals acting naturally, he got insight into how nature works. He used the strategy to create nature art and to write books. He wrote more than 75 fiction and non-fiction books-about nature.

Can we use Seton’s strategy? Certainly! There is no patent!

Second: A Seton Watch is so simple, you may believe there is no reason to try it. There are two basic rules for Seton Watching. Here they are: 

1.       Sit still, move as little as possible. Talking disturbs wildlife. Talk in the car or at home.

2.       Wait…wait as long as you can. Your first Seton Watches with your kids should be 5 minutes or less. No talking, moving…sitting still. Can’t do 5 minutes? Try 2…work your way to increasing the time.

Should you call it a Seton Watch…you can. You may even want to use Seton as an example. Or begin calling them just Sit and Watch. After a time, you may agree as a family to a new custom name specific to your family.

 Where to do Seton Watches:

1.       Your deck is good…you’ll be surprised at what you see…and discover.

2.       Use a city park…with trees to lean against.

3.       Work up to a location with more wildlife. Minnesota Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) (Check your state for wildlife areas.) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Production Areas are public land and wild places. The only times they are not accessible would be during hunting seasons. Check the hunting seasons before you go out.

4.       Begin to search for places you can go to do Seton Watches with your family. Perhaps a friend has land you may have permission to use. There are many places to discover.

 What to wear…dress for the weather. Wear more clothes to stay warm…sitting requires careful attention to temperature. The body cools off when inactive.

 Watch the video below for more ideas.