Children and fungi

[Fairy Flax]

I was thinking about taking my children on a fungal foray, but as i have not yet been on one myself i was wondering if it would be a good idea? The children are aged between 9 and 12 and have shown an interest in fungi whilst out and about before.

[naturelover]

i would say go for it if they have an interest in fungi, start them off young,just tell not to put their fingers in their mouths,at 9 and 12 shouldnt be a problem.

[Stewy]

Can't see why not, never to young to learn. I'm sure the leader of the foray would teach them the dangers that are associated with wild shrooms.

[Lance Morgan]

No problem so long as they have the usual warnings.

[cybershot]

Children make great mushroom hunters because they are enthusiastic, have good eyesight and are nearer the ground - go for it, with the appropriate provisos.

David

[Xylaria]

They are just the right age to really enjoy it, not too young not get it and not to old to think its all nerdy. Rest assured you can not get poisoned by touching a fungi, even deathcaps you can touch it and kiss it and be fine. The quantity of the poison in deaths cap to kill a child is a piece the size of a adults fingernail and this has to be injested. There is one fungus that gives off a toxic vapours when cooked but generally all fungi has to be eat to produce poisoning. Trust me it is not dangerous to pick a fungi to study it, in fact it is the best way of learning this fantastic subject.

[NickCantle]

Slow down there Xylaria. I don't think even so much as reassuring someone that they could kiss a death cap is nothing to worry about. I think that's an absolutely ridiculous statement.

To add to that, I would say it's a good idea to introduce them to the world of fungi at this age. Just as i'm sure you will, keep a close eye on what they are playing with.

[sarah64]

Hi there
My kids are 10 and 12 and enjoy coming out with us to look for mushrooms, although they mostly enjoy being out in the fresh air and playing rather than hunting. They do like to see our finds though and they have made some nice finds along the way too.

If my kids want to hunt I normally tell them to call me to check it out before they touch anything, which works fine as I have explained the dangers to them and they understand this.

So Fairy Flax if your kids are interested that's great, go for it with the usual sensible safety provisos of course!

Have fun
Sarah

[Paul mabbott]

Why the hell would you want to kiss a fungus?
Yes, basically, a good idea to introduce children to all aspects of nature and to install the caution that many things can be harmful and should not be touched without certain knowledge (or advice) - toadstools, wolves, snakes.

There is touching and touching - children at early ages are not too subtle!

Originally Posted by Xylaria

They are just the right age to really enjoy it, not too young not get it and not to old to think its all nerdy. Rest assured you can not get poisoned by touching a fungi, even deathcaps you can touch it and kiss it and be fine. The quantity of the poison in deaths cap to kill a child is a piece the size of a adults fingernail and this has to be injested. There is one fungus that gives off a toxic vapours when cooked but generally all fungi has to be eat to produce poisoning. Trust me it is not dangerous to pick a fungi to study it, in fact it is the best way of learning this fantastic subject.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by cybershot

Children make great mushroom hunters because they are enthusiastic, have good eyesight and are nearer the ground - .................. David

So true ... and they're also very good at spotting insects while they're down there!