Month: March 2022

CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, RECIPES
Easter Nature Crafts for Kids
- March 29, 2022
Spring is officially here! And what a better way to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and warmer temperatures that spring brings than by getting outside and collecting some nature treasures! What you do with your nature treasures is up to you, but we have some fun ideas! Today, Hannah Martin, UK mom and co-host of the YouTube show Hobie’s Nature Club is here with some fun and creative spring and Easter nature crafts for kids.

Incorporating nature into Easter crafts

I’m not sure what’s happening with the weather where you are, but here in the UK, we have seen blue skies and sunshine for the first time in what feels like forever! Flowers are in bloom; birds are busy making nests, which means only one thing… it is Spring and very nearly Easter. We love this time of year. There are so many activities to do outside with kids and everyone actually wants to be outside again.

We also love decorating our house at Easter. We love the nature-inspired reminders of new life through eggs and chicks, bunny rabbits, lambs (…but don’t forget the chocolate!). This year we decided to go all out with our Easter decorating in our favorite way – with nature! We decided to make a few fun Easter-themed nature crafts from materials we could find in nature. Not only does this mean we got to spend time outdoors in nature together, but we also got to have fun, get messy (and crafty) in the spirit of the holiday all in one go.

Easter nature crafts for kids

Below I’ve included a few ideas for some nature crafts to do with your kids. Each of these projects will be great for the upcoming holiday. Spread them out over the next couple weeks, as you won’t be able to do them all in one day. They are simple and fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. Most of the crafts use things found in nature, but obviously, you will need some other crafting bits, too. So, let’s get on with the fun part! Here are some entertaining ideas to brighten up your home and Easter table, with a few bonus yummy Easter treats mixed in, too!

Easter bunny nature picture card

This Easter craft activity is the simplest by far, but it’s so much fun! With this activity, you get to combine two favorite things – exploring outside and making a card for a family member or school friend. All you need is to do to collect your materials is to go outside and explore your garden or local park and find the following:
- 2 bunny ear-shaped leaves
- 1 bunny face-shaped leaf
- Twigs for whiskers
- Something pink for a bunny’s nose or you could paint a stone.
- Something white for bunny’s teeth, we used petals.
- Goggly eyes
- Lots of PVA glue
We learned from previous craft activities that when you are trying to stick shiny, waxy leaves onto paper you need lots of PVA glue! And you need patience because you need to wait a while for it to become tacky (you can speed up the process by using a hairdryer if needs be).

Cover your paper and the leaves in glue and then place the leaves onto the paper where you want them. You’ll need to hold onto the paper, we had to rub the leaves and weigh them down with a lid. Draw your mouth and stick on the teeth and nose and eyes. Then apply more glue for the sticks…we loved our end result, he makes us smile!

Nature-inspired Easter egg hunt

Everybody loves Easter egg hunts, right? Well, our version of an outdoor Easter egg hunt also incorporates nature. Instead of finding eggs, your kids will find fun things in nature that they can use to decorate a cardboard egg. This activity is great for big groups and kids of all ages. Small children can also get involved, which is great if you have toddlers and little ones. It will make a perfect Easter day activity as it can incorporate hiding chocolate eggs, too.

Here’s what you will need for your nature-inspired egg hunt:
- PVA glue
- Cardboard
- White paper
- Scissors
- Treasure hunt clues
- Collecting pot/bowl/bag
We started by cutting out an egg shape from the cardboard and white paper and then stuck them together. I then gave the children nature challenges such as going outside and finding:
- 10 stones
- 3 different things that are red
- 2 different shaped leaves etc
- 2 different colored flower petals
- evergreen needles
- 3 super tiny sticks
Every other turn, have the children run and find a chocolate egg! When you have completed the hunt you then use the nature treasures to decorate your eggs…and of course, eat the chocolate ones!

Egg-tastic mini herb garden

You will need:
- Egg box/carton
- Eggshells
- Herb Seeds (parsley, basil, chives, and watercress)
- Soil
- Scissors
Crack eggs with one large piece of shell and one small. Place the large piece in the egg box, fill it with soil. Next, insert the seeds following the instructions on each of the seed packets. Water the soil and leave your egg card herb garden in a bright, warm place for the seeds to germinate. If you want to transfer the plants into your garden later, you can easily place the whole thing (eggshell and all) directly in!

Pinecone spring chick

This fun craft is one that you can let your kids run with to make their own! There are no hard and fast rules – you can get as creative as you want! First, you will need to go on an adventure to a local woodland with evergreen and pine trees so that you can find some pinecones for this project. Next, you’ll need to gather the following craft supplies from your stash:
- Yellow paint mixed with PVA glue
- Orange foam or tissue paper for beak and feet
- Yellow feathers
- Goggly eyes
Let your child paint the pinecone with the yellow paint/glue mixture and then stick the feathers all over it. This is a fun (and messy) project, so we recommend doing this outside and using a washable paint (just in case). Next, cut a triangle from the orange foam or tissue paper as the beak and stick it onto the pinecone, along with the googly eyes. Ta da! You now have an adorable little pinecone chick!

Easter tree decorations

Since becoming a parent, I’ve started to enjoy festive decorations more for all our holidays. Holiday decorations are such a fun and easy way to get kids excited about the next holiday and show off their amazing creativity. They’re usually fun and colorful and bring me so much joy looking at them and remembering the memories of making the decorations together. And for Easter, there’s nothing better than a small blossoming branch as a centerpiece for your dining table. If you want to make your own Easter tree, here’s how!

You will need:
- Lots of eggs (white shell best, although they’re hard to find in the UK)
- Needle
- Cotton
- Paint
- Natural items
- Double-sided tape
- String/twine/raffia to hang the egg
The first step is to remove the inside of the egg from the shell by egg blowing! Have you ever done this? I remember egg blowing as a child (although I can’t remember why we were doing it), but this is obviously a fun memorable child activity. However, I will say that it is a lot harder than I remember!

To start, you have to carefully use a needle to make a hole at both ends of the egg. Rotating the needle is more effective for not cracking the egg. You want both holes to be small, but one should be big enough that the inside of the egg can pass through.

Next, in order to blow the “guts” of the egg out, you need to seal your mouth over the smaller hole and blow gently. It’s a good idea for the adult to start as after a few drops it gets easier. Once you hit the yolk you might have to take over again as it takes quite a lot of puff to break it down through the hole.

I have to be honest, I thought we were then going to thread the cotton through the egg to be able to hang it but every attempt resulted in a cracked egg! We ended up using double-sided tape and attaching the string or raffia to the egg and then painting over it. You can give it a try (hopefully you’ll have better luck than us) or just start with this little trick.

Next, let your kids paint the eggs, add stickers or glitter, or go into the garden and collect nature things to stick on them. While your little ones are searching for their nature decorations, you can find a pretty branch to cut and place in a vase with soil and top with small stones or wood chips. Once your eggs are dry, hang them from your Easter tree/branch and use this as a centerpiece for your Easter table or tabletop decoration!

Rocky-road chocolate bunnies

Now, this is our not-so-nature-loving activity! But, it is great for a rainy April shower kind of day. Plus, these are very yummy treats that your kids will love! The great thing is there is no need to measure or weigh. Just chuck all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
- 2 large bars of milk chocolate
- 1 bag or bar of Malteser chocolate
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate eggs
- Rice krispies/corn flakes or crushed biscuits/cookies
- Optional healthy things like raisins, cherries, dried cranberries, or apricots
- M&Ms
- Sweetie laces for whiskers
- Silicon mold
Break your chocolate up and place it in a glass bowl. Heat gently and slowly in a double boiler over a pan of boiling water. Make sure to stir regularly with a wooden spoon. While the chocolate is melting, lay out your bunny features in the mold (rice crispies for eyes, m & m for nose, cut up sweetie laces for whiskers).

Once the chocolate has melted (be patient, this may take a while – don’t rush it), remove from heat and add your crispy bits, crushed mini eggs, marshmallows, and anything else you fancy and spoon into molds. This does need to be done quite quickly as the chocolate will start to solidify. We’ve had this cute silicone mold for years and never used it so this was a first for us! We were so excited to finally put it to good use.

Place mold into the fridge for 1-2 hours to solidify. Once the chocolate is solid, push your bunnies out of mold and EAT! Mmmmm!

Making this candy treat was so much fun! We had a blast and ended up with a LOT of candy. We’ll be giving these yummy treats as gifts to the family for Easter.

Spring crafts for kids

We hope you enjoy being creative with these spring and Easter nature crafts for kids. We hope this has inspired you to get outside and look for fun and useful nature treasures to use in your crafting projects. Spring is such a fun time of year to get outside and see nature coming to life around you. Now, go outside and play!

Are you incorporating nature into your spring decorations this year?

About the author

Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club
RWMC Posts: Hannah Martin
FAVORITE GEAR, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS
Demystifying Outdoor Schools: The Next Big Thing in Early Childhood Education
- March 22, 2022
Outdoor schools are gaining in popularity and sprouting up across the US and Canada. Now more than ever, parents realize the benefits and importance of their kids spending time outside, in the natural world, and learning through hands-on nature-based education. But, what exactly is an outdoor school, where do you find one, and what do kids need to wear to attend? We’ve got all the answers to these questions and more!

Getting acquainted with outdoor schools

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Alyssa Marsh, one of the founders of the newly launched Outdoor School Shop (ODSS), on the Run Wild My Child Podcast. I got to pick her brain on all things outdoor school-related. Over the last few years, I’ve heard more and more about “outdoor schools” and outdoor education in general, but I did not know a lot about the whole outdoor school movement in elementary education. My kids attend a traditional school, and there are not a lot of outdoor schools around where we live.

However, outdoor schools are gaining in popularity and sprouting up across the US at an unprecedented level. Even before the pandemic, outdoor school numbers were increasing, but now more than ever, the benefits of spending the majority of school-time hours outdoors is readily apparent to parents.

Outdoor School Shop’s mission is to outfit (forgive the pun) families and outdoor schools with the right outerwear so that gear never becomes the reason a child is not happy and thriving at outdoor school. In addition to selling all things waterproof, warm, and durable, ODSS is a big proponent of educating everyone about the concept of outdoor schools, how they’re different, where to find one, and how to dress for attending one.

Since we’ve received so much positive feedback on the episode and lots of really great questions about outdoor schools, I’m here to share a little about what I learned while chatting with Alyssa on the podcast. I also encourage you all to listen in for all the details! You can access the podcast recording on Apple podcasts on our podcast webpage or whatever app you use to get your podcasts.

What are outdoor schools?

According to Alyssa at ODSS, outdoor schools fall into the following categories: forest schools, nature preschools, farm schools, Waldorf schools, select Montessori programs, and traditional schools, which have pivoted to outdoor education due to the pandemic.

Forest schools are the most intensively focused on outdoor time, with some programs conducting the entire school day outside no matter the weather. Nature preschools spend at least 30% of their day outdoors and infuse their curriculum with nature as the steady theme. Students at farm schools spend between 30 to 50% of their time outdoors and ground their learning around the farm’s ecosystem.

At Waldorf schools, the outdoor curriculum often includes forest and farm early childhood programs, school gardens and outdoor horticulture. Many Waldorf schools also have dedicated forest kindergartens. The amount of time spent outdoors at a Montessori school really depends on the school’s individual mission, so make sure you do your research if outdoor time and focus is important to your family.

Finally, there is a lot of movement in more traditional school programs to get outside, whether that’s a couple of hours a day or a more dedicated approach to outdoor education. It is worth taking a minute to investigate what options your local school district may be offering, and if there aren’t any, maybe you could get a conversation going?

Photo credit: @star_child_nature_school

The number of outdoor schools is growing!

The number of outdoor schools in North America has grown exponentially over the last couple of years. Prior to the pandemic, numbers of outdoor schools were on the rise, but the onset of COVID really pushed numbers to grow at an unprecedented rate. Not only were more outdoor schools being formed, but traditional schools and otherwise mostly indoor education started moving outside at a rapid pace. Exact stats are a little hard to come by, but according to folks at the North American Association for Environmental Education, the number of nature-based preschools grew at least 500 percent in the U.S. since 2012.

Photo credit: @wildwood.forestschool

Where to find an outdoor school near you

With the growing demand for kids to spend more time outside, outdoor schools are popping up in cities and towns across the US. It can be hard to find a great outdoor school in your area (as they usually don’t have a big budget for advertising), but ODSS is here to help. ODSS has built an online directory of outdoor schools in North America. This is the most comprehensive directory out there, with 1000+ schools and growing every day.

The outdoor school directory focuses on schools for toddlers to 12-year-olds. It also includes outdoor daycares for the littlest ones. Run Wild My Child is happy to co-host that very same directory on our website as well. To use the directory, just enter your zip code and select your town from the results in the drop-down. You will be provided access to all the schools within a 20-mile radius of your town.

I entered my zip code, and there was only one result, but I am hopeful lots of you are going to get much more impressive results! There are parts of North America that are far ahead of other areas in terms of outdoor school presence, but I’m hopeful that we will all catch up soon! This is a growing and exciting movement in education and one that we feel will greatly benefit our kids.

Benefits of outdoor schools and outdoor education

There are many compelling reasons for your child to attend outdoor school but let me walk you through the highlights. Children (all of us, really) need time to thoroughly explore our thoughts, feelings, and relationships. When they spend time outdoors, children are able to develop a deep understanding of their world, the environment, and everything in it. Through imagination and exploration, their world opens to endless possibilities. (Source: Magnolia Forest Preschool).

A growing amount of research and study on outdoor education for young children has become available over the last 30 years. It is well documented that children’s development can be enhanced greatly outdoors in a number of areas. The following are some of the top benefits that outdoor learning and outdoor activities, in general, provide for children (source: Upper Manhattan Forest Kids).
- leadership
- imagination and creative thinking skills
- motor skills and gross muscle development
- independence
- self-confidence and resiliency
- strengthened immune system
- increased spatial sense and awareness
- beneficial to children with attention/control issues
Want to read more about the benefits of outdoor school and infusing your child in nature? ODSS has a fantastic, curated “Book Nook” with lots of great titles – wonderful options for kids too!

Photo credit: @littlebugsnaturepreschool

What do kids wear to outdoor schools?

If you think that an outdoor school would be the perfect fit for your child, you are likely wondering what kids wear to outdoor schools. Outdoor School Shop has you covered on this front! They carry top-notch gear that comes highly recommended to ensure that your child is always comfortable, warm, and dry and able to focus on the experience and not the weather.

ODSS scoured the market, interviewed countless outdoor educators, and test-drove the gear on their own kids. They came up with a shop stocked with the best selection of outerwear for outdoor school students. However, when I say “best”, I do not mean the most expensive! That’s not always the case. “Best” means best-suited to the environmental demands that outdoor school will require from your child’s outerwear, depending on your location and the weather you experience there.

Best-suited is different for kids in different locations. Outdoor school students in Florida dress differently than those in Vermont. This is why ODSS created extremely handy gear checklists specific to each region of the country that addresses this question. The checklists are free and available on their website. ODSS has also worked hard at producing a super helpful primer on how to dress our children in layers for efficient body heat regulation.

Photo credit: @muddyrivernatureschool

Outdoor schools create future stewards of the natural world

At Run Wild My Child, we’re really excited about the possibilities that outdoor schools bring to families who want their children to be outdoors and experience the wonder and beauty of nature from an early age. We know first-hand the benefits of raising kids outside and the importance of spending time in nature. The hope is that this early exposure to forests, farms and other outdoor locations will create a bond between the child and the natural environment that will never be severed. Outdoor schools are helping create the future stewards of our world!

Photo credit: @forestfolkacademy

Have you ever considered an outdoor school for your child?
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY
The Importance of Storytelling with Photos
- March 17, 2022
Capturing your family’s special moments (big and small) through photography is one of my biggest passions. Not many things make me happier (or more nostalgic) that looking at the photos of the trips, adventures, and outings we took together as family. The moments pass so quickly, but the photos will last a lifetime. Today, Chicago mom of two, Tiana Kubik is here sharing the importance of storytelling with photos. Tiana and her husband run a photography business and know just how precious capturing families can be. She will not only convince you to pick up your camera more and document your adventures but will help you understand just how important it is to look through those images with your kids so that you can tell your family’s story.

Capture your family’s story with photos

Capturing your family’s memories through photos is one of the best ways to tell your story. No, not just for Instagram, but for your family’s posterity and future. While social media might make it seem as if photo taking and storytelling are trendy here and now, photos are forever. Each one is a frozen moment in time you can go back to again and again. I am in it for the long-term payout.

Not only are photos a wonderful way for parents to remember the big and small moments and details, but they’re a way to pass down those memories to your children and grandchildren. I want our memories, stories, and adventures to be stamped into the soul of our family. I want them to bring us joy for years and serve as the roots that keep us all grounded and connected.

If you want that too, this post is for you! Today, I’m not only going to encourage you to pick up your camera (or phone) and snap those photos, but to keep revisiting them and using them to bring your family closer and closer together for years to come.

Photography is the art of making memories tangible.”- Destin Sparks

Photos are a vehicle for storytelling

Almost every child I’ve met loves looking at photos of themselves. Kids love seeing themselves as babies, out on adventures, doing things they can’t quite remember, but know they did. Photos are powerful for helping your child solidify the memories of their childhood and the special moments and details of their life.

When it comes to storytelling, photos can be a powerful tool for capturing the children’s attention and drawing them into the story. Photos can help to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. They capture a moment in time, show the emotions of the people involved in the story, and illustrate what is happening in the story of their own lives.

When children are part of those images, it gives them a healthy booster of memories, emotions, and lessons that were created in the original experience. It makes their memories come back to life. It sparks curiosity and triggers emotions. Imagine retelling a story through your images – it’s like they’re reliving that experience. Children can process it over and over again. Photos are magical in that way!

This also applies to videos and other media and souvenirs. Anything that makes a memory more tangible and real for children, will help keep those memories alive and fresh for them.

Why storytelling through photos is so important to children

When we plan outdoor adventures and travel with our children, it’s important to take the time to reminisce about those experiences once we get home. Photos of the adventure are the perfect way to do that. These memories (and definitely the photos) will stay with them long after we’re gone, and they’ll be thankful for the wonderful childhood experiences they had, the outings, the trips, the highs and lows of life.

There are so many reasons to remember to tell your family’s stories over and over again and to revisit the images, videos, and photos you took. Here are a few reasons revisiting the past is important to children.

1. Storytelling through photos reinforces the big lessons

One of the best things about taking our kids on outdoor adventures is that the lessons found in nature are endless. They get to see all kinds of new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Kids learn about themselves and what they are capable of. They learn to love and care for the world around them. We can foster teamwork and light a spark in our little scientists/artists/engineers. We can show them how to enjoy nature and all that it has to offer and teach them about the importance of love for the earth and the living beings who call it home.

Children learn by repetition and that can come in repeating an activity or by remembering an experience. By retelling the adventures that you go on and looking at the photos that you have from your experiences out in the world and in nature, you repeat these and reenforce some of life’s most important lessons.

2. Photos help solidify memories

Kids love spending time outdoors and going on adventures, but sometimes it seems like they don’t remember many of them! Especially for young children, most of their early memories will be forgotten as they get older. We’ve been on so many outdoor adventures together as a family, from hiking in national parks to whale watching in the ocean, and often the kids seem surprised when we mention them. This is a HUGE BUMMER.

One of the best ways to combat this is to keep talking about these experiences and looking at the photos we have from our trips and adventures. Any chance we get to talk about our favorite experiences, look through photos, watch videos, is time well spent and helps them keep them in their memories longer. Often, just seeing the images will help trigger their memories of what else happened on that day or on that adventure. Things that maybe I forgot about already! And then that becomes part of the story.

Want proof? There are several studies that even suggest that having children discuss their personal experiences and stories helps them crystalize their earliest memories at a slightly earlier age.

3. Photos give children a connection to their heritage

Reminiscing with children is important as it can help them to learn about their past and understand their family heritage. Think of storytelling as a generational gift – children can learn about their family traditions, who they are, and where they came from all through the re-telling of family stories.

Seeing photos of ancestors and how/where they lived helps kids establish their roots. Learning through photos that great-great Grandma loved fishing or swimming in the ocean can actually increase your current family’s enjoyment of these same activities by drawing a deeper connection to them as they weave the bonds of multiple generations of your family.

4. Photos help children gain ownership of their story and decisions

One of the best ways to make decisions and find encouragement, during unfamiliar experiences, is to recall similar experiences and draw on what you know. Children can use activities that they have done before (like specific hikes or a visit to a nature preserve) to help prepare them for future hikes and outdoor adventures. These stories and experiences are solidified by looking through photos of past experiences and adventures. They can also begin to find patterns in experiences and their reactions to them to help guide their own inner voice.

5. Photos extend quality time together

The act of storytelling and looking through photos is, all by itself, an experience. Paint a picture in your head of what this looks like: Your family cozy on the couch flipping through photos from birthdays, epic hikes, simple walks. Are you laughing? Do you feel loved and grateful? Don’t you now treasure those memories and experiences even more through the family bonding and storytelling you’re doing now?

That time to look back is about creating a bond, just as much as the time spent making the memories you are remembering. One day you may find yourself telling the story about that one time you were sitting around the table, telling a story and looking through photos.

Have fun capturing memories

The best way to capture memories is to be in them! So often people think that taking photos and videos is a distraction from real life. However, it is all about balance and preparation. Here are a few tips to remember while you’re documenting your family’s special moments.
- Choose moments to photograph and ones to just enjoy.
- Listen to family members and read the room. If anyone does not want their photo taken, put the camera down.
- Take photos by engaging in the action, not by pausing it. The best photos are the ones that capture a moment not create a moment.
- Let children have access to take photos, or at least help choose what to capture. Our kiddos love using their tablets and cameras to take their own photos.
- Don’t stress over the perfect photo. When the goal is capturing memories, let go of being concerned over blur, behavior, or blemishes.
- Remember these are moments you hope to relive through the stories they tell. Be mindful of why you are there and what you are capturing
What you need to capture images for storytelling

What you need to capture your memories is simple. Photos and videos…LOT of them! You don’t have to be an expert photographer, have super fancy expensive gear, or any technical know-how to capture your memories. Obviously, you can have all that (and that’s awesome), but definitely not necessary. How you choose to capture your family’s images and memories will depend on who you are, your budget, and your goals.

At the most basic level, you’ll need (1) something to take the photos, (2) a place to store the photos, (3) an organizational system, and (4) a tradition or way of visiting these photos. The details are up to you but here is a quick outline of a few of our recommendations for getting started with each of them.

Camera basics

Your choice of camera is totally up to you. The best camera you can use is the one you have with you (no matter what it is – the important thing is using it!). We recommend starting with whatever you already have and just getting started snapping away. You can always upgrade later as your skills improve and you learn to use your camera.

A DSLR is going to be your best bet if you want to “get into” photography and explore settings and lenses. This is probably what most people think of when they talk about digital cameras. The two most popular DSLR options are Canon and Nikkon – both are excellent choices, with a huge range of options on price point, lenses, and features. Mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days and can be a bit smaller and have electronic viewfinders (digital screens) in the back. It comes down to personal preference what you’d like to shoot with.

However, technology today has made it even easier to capture photos of your family, a great cell phone. A smartphone has made it so that we can capture 20 different images of any given moment with a small camera we probably already have in our pocket. Which means there is no excuse for missing out. If you’re just getting into photography, you can start with the phone you have. If you are looking for the best tips for taking fabulous quality images with your cell phone camera, make sure to download our free guide to taking better photos of your kids outside with your camera phone.

Phone photos are great because they’re easy to take and very accessible, but you are also going to need a really good storage system for those 2,000 photos you took in February.

Photo storage solutions

Whether you’re storing your photos on your phone or on a computer, storage is sure to be an issue if you are taking LOTS of pictures. You could very easily lose your phone or deal with a lost or broken laptop. Your photos need to be secure and backed up in multiple places. We highly recommend backing up to at least 2 other places so that if and when your computer quits on you, you have a backup. A few options are:
- A backup hard drive (we keep ours in a fireproof safe)
- A disc or jump flash drive
- Cloud storage (there are a ton of options, but an easy way to store your images is with a cloud storage site, like Google Drive, Amazon Photos (included with your Prime membership) or Dropbox)
Photo organization system

Now that you have all these gorgeous images of your precious memories, you need to come up with a system for organizing them. The short answer is FOLDERS! But how you organize your folders will be completely up to you, your personality, and how your brain best works. A few examples of ways to organize folders of images:
- Folders for each year or month > images labeled by date (how most cell phones already label images)
- Based on destinations or trips
- Folders based on each camera used
- A folder for each child or family member
Note on metadata and geotagging photos: Everyone will need to make their own choices on including this. Many families feel better not having location info on photos but having that info also makes images on devices easily searchable. The same goes for facial recognition options for sorting images. Just something to consider for your storage and organization of images.

A good photo organizational system will make things so much easier as your family and experiences grow, as well as your image library. The last thing you want is to spend hours looking for images from 4 years ago, only to realize they are gone or misplaced. Now that the logistics are done…time for the fun!

How to view your images

What good is taking all those photos if you’re not going to do anything with them? You need to come up with a way (or multiple ways) to get your images in front of your family. If you can’t see the images, you can’t tell the stories! (and isn’t that what we’ve been talking about this whole time?)

Here are a few fun ways to share photos and stories with your family:
- Print them out and make collages or photo galleries on the walls in your home
- Create themed books with the photos and have them printed
- Start a family social media account
- Use a digital photo frame (or Amazon Echo Show) to keep updating images to stroll
- Make gifts for family members out of the photos that you take (ornaments, keychains, calendars, magnets, notepads, etc.)
Start a family tradition of storytelling with photos

Many families have rituals and traditions around storytelling with photos. You can create books, start a blog, create a wall of photos. You can make digital albums to share with friends and all upload your images together or sports seasons or events. There are so many options for creating opportunities to remember the time you spend together. Is there a time of day or specific holidays where you find your family most engaged in remembering events?

My guess is that you do this often, without even giving it much thought, and that is what is best about storytelling with photos in the digital age. Keeping images easily accessible means you are ready to stroll down memory lane at a moment’s notice. The more you engage in telling the story of your most special days, the more your children will want to talk about them.

The biggest goal is to get children to retell their own stories, but storytelling is not a one-way street. Stories grow and evolve as we add different perspectives and points of view. You won’t all remember an outing or trip the same way. We don’t just pass stories down, we share them. They are told by all involved and having children actively engaged in the storytelling process gives their experience validity and gives the entire family a gift that will last a lifetime.

Storytelling is also a great bridge to planning new adventures and setting goals for the future. Beginning a whole new cycle of family fun!

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

Do you use photos to tell family stories?

About the author

A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
Instagram: @usalongtheway
Website: US Along the Way
RWMC Posts: Tiana Kubik
GEOCACHING, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK
Spice Up Your Family Hikes with Geocaching
- March 15, 2022
Do your kids moan and groan when you mention hiking? Are they bored with the same trails? Do they like finding real-life treasure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we’ve got a fun activity for you! Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt that you can do nearly anywhere (including on your favorite family hiking trails). Today, Alabama mom of two, Zenovia Stephens is here sharing her family’s newfound love of geocaching and how it’s spiced up their family hikes. She’ll teach you how to get started geocaching for free, and walk you through geocaching best practices and etiquette. We think geocaching just might be your family’s new favorite outdoor activity!

Spice up your hikes with geocaching

Have you ever found your kids getting tired of something they love doing, but do so often it seems stale? If you’re a parent, chances are you answered yes. My family loves hiking, but kids can easily get bored with hiking. I have a lot of ideas for keeping hiking interesting for littles. One of our favorite ways is choosing a hike with exciting sights. This involves researching trails and making sure the payoff for kids is enough to keep them excited about putting one foot in front of the other.

While fun sights along your hike can yield great results, how can we combat trail boredom or hiking fatigue when you might not have exciting destinations? How do you keep a hike through your local park exciting? Or even just a walk through town? I have one more trick up my sleeve, and it’s call geocaching! Read on to learn what geocaching is and how it can save your family hiking trips.

What is geocaching

Before I understood what geocaching was, I automatically assumed it was lame. I never imagined my family or I would be interested in something involving GPS coordinates or caches. Was I being closed-minded? Absolutely. I just didn’t know what we were missing! Luckily, people kept asking if we’d tried geocaching, so I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about (mainly so we could tell people we tried it and it wasn’t our thing). Much to my surprise, we LOVED it!

Geocaching.com defines geocaching as a real-world, outdoor adventure that is happening all the time, all around the world. Now, if you’ve never heard of or been geocaching, it could be because it’s still relatively new. This adventure activity has only existed since 2000 and has grown from a few geocaches to millions of geocaches and geocachers worldwide. I can now agree that it deserves all the hype it’s built up and urge everyone to give it a try.

How does geocaching work?

Geocaching is pretty straightforward and is easier than it sounds. It works by using GPS tracking through apps on your smartphone, such as the free geocaching app. This app shows users the various caches (we like to call them treasures) available nearby and helps you navigate to them. Think of it as a real-life treasure hunt where you’re searching for items hidden by other users.

You’d be surprised how many caches are out there (everywhere!) and where caches are located. We once found one in a junkyard near a restaurant we were visiting. While we couldn’t get to it due to not having anyone to permit us to enter, searching for the treasure kept us entertained while waiting to be seated. Caches are at your local park, hidden along your favorite trails, all over in the city and suburbs.

Create your account and start geocaching

Once you download the app, you’ll be prompted to create an account. You can use the free version, which gives access to a limited number of caches, or the paid option to see premium caches. I recommend starting with the basic account and upgrading if need be. The free version lets your find “traditional” caches (which are a bit larger and easier to find than the small or micro caches), which are perfect for little kids and families.

Finding the cache

The map on the geocaching app will direct you close to the cache (within 30 feet). Then, it’s up to you to find the treasure! Caches are usually small containers filled with little trinkets and goodies for trading. The cache may also have a log book for you to write down your name and the date you found the cache. Once you find it, you can swap out a trinket with another and sign the log book. Make sure to put the cache back exactly where you found it. And then mark it as “found” on the app, which will turn it into a smiley face icon.

Geocaching etiquette

If geocaching sounds like something your family would enjoy, there are a few things you should know before heading out to find treasure. Geocaching etiquette says:
- Don’t take anything from the cache if you don’t have anything to leave (and leave something of equal or greater value). I happen to love this because it helps keep it fair for everyone and ensures you’ll get something when you find the treasure. Imagine the disappointment after spending time excitedly searching for a cache only to find it empty. To avoid being the culprit, keep a small stash of items in your car or pack specifically to replenish your finds.
- Use the log system to share with the owner and others whether you found the cache or not. It helps keep the spirit of adventure alive! If the cache is damaged or doesn’t contain any treasure, you can report that through the app for maintenance.
- Be sure to return the cache to the exact spot you found it. If you don’t, others won’t experience the joy of finding it. This is true even if you think you found a better hiding place for the cache.
- Respect private property. Some caches are hidden on or near private property; it’s a good idea to either refrain or ask permission before entering.
- Bring a pen to sign in with your username and date found for the owner. Not all caches have a pen or pencil to use.
How can geocaching save your family hikes?

Easy! We’ve talked a lot about the fact that geocaching can be done anywhere, that includes while hiking. Many caches are hidden along popular trails. Caches are prevalent in parks and even in neighborhoods. You might be surprised just how many caches are out there on trails and in places you visit all the time! Or, look at the app to see where caches are hidden along trails to discover new (to you) trails and hikes to explore.

When you find your kids moaning and groaning about another hike, appeal to their mysterious side and present them with the opportunity to hunt for treasure in the woods instead. They’ll forget they’re hiking, you get the pleasure of having happy kids while secretly hiking, and the family has another new memory added to the bank. It’s a win for everyone!

Even more reasons to try geocaching

Besides the fun of being part of a real-life treasure hunt, geocaching can serve as a tool to encourage kids in a few ways, teach new (and valuable) skills, and get them outside! Here are a few of my favorite benefits that we’ve discovered from geocaching as a family.
- Map reading and navigation skills are crucial components of thriving in the outdoors. Geocaching is a fun way to get kids learning more and gaining confidence in their navigation skills. I’ve personally seen my oldest son grow by leaps and bounds in his map reading skills, to the point that he can lead me!
- The idea of leaving an item for taking an object can help instill a giver’s heart in kids. It also encourages them to be thoughtful and considerate of others who left items or might find the treasure in the future.
- Joy and happiness are my favorite benefits of geocaching. As parents, we know that time outdoors is healthy for our kids, but keeping them engaged and excited can become challenging. Treasure hunting is a sure way to encourage joy and happiness in kids and the entire family. The joy on a child’s face when he finds treasure is palpable!
Boredom busted

Since diving into geocaching, we’ve found ourselves looking for caches in places we’d never thought would provide an ounce of adventure. From forests, playgrounds, city streets, undiscovered neighborhoods, and even the depths of the ocean…geocaches are everywhere! Searching for them should be a top tool in the boredom-busting box. After all, you never know what you may find!

Geocaching resources
Have you tried geocaching before?
If so, what’s your most exciting find?

About the author

Zenovia is an outdoor enthusiast, freelance travel and adventure blogger, wife, and mom to three young boys (ages 8, 5 & 2). Originally from Chicago, Zenovia and her family live in Huntsville, Alabama, and spend many of their days exploring and learning about the area. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, a non-profit organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature. Zenovia is a Visit North Alabama Ambassador, 2021 Land Trust of North Alabama Board Member, YMCA Board Member, WildKind Ambassador and a monthly contributor for We are Huntsville and Huntsville’s CVB. You can follow along with her mom and family adventures and find inspiration for your own family adventures at Black Adventure Crew.

You can find Zenovia online in the following locations:
Instagram: @blackadventurecrew
Facebook: @blackadventurecrew
Website: Black Kids Adventures
RWMC posts: Backyard Movie Night, Outdoor Exercising with Kids
CHALLENGE, FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SPRING, SUMMER
How to Successfully Complete a Seasonal Spot Photography Project
- March 10, 2022
You probably already know by now, but we’re pretty obsessed with photos here at Run Wild My Child. We know a photograph is more than a pretty picture – it’s a snapshot in time. Photography is a way to capture a moment in our children’s lives, a glimpse into the past, a fleeting memory forever preserved. We know how quickly time move, seasons change, and children grow up. Photography is a way to capture those memories so you can pull them out and revisit that moment in time, anytime. Today, photographer and Minnesota mom of three, Angie Mahlke, is here to share tips on how to successfully complete a seasonal spot photography project to capture not only the seasons, but the seasons of childhood.

Seasonal spot photography project

Oftentimes, as parents, we put our hobbies aside when our children are small and needy. But, what if you could include your family in your hobbies? For me, that is photography.

Over the years I have challenged myself to merge my creative pastime with spending time with my children. One of the ways is to involve them in my photography projects, get them excited to participate.

My favorite photography project has been our year-long seasonal spot project—where we take a photo a month in the exact same spot to watch the seasons change over the passage of time. 12 photos, all taken in the same place, that show the progress over time. This is a great project to do with kids, so you can see the change in your surroundings, as well as the change in the children as they grow and progress.

Today, I am going to share some of my secrets with you on how to successfully complete this year long photography project with your family.

Get your family involved

The first step to successfully completing a seasonal spot challenge is getting your family on board. If they don’t love the idea and want to be a part of it, you’ll be forced to hear a lot of whining. No one wants to spend time every month convincing your family to participate in something that they don’t want to do. That will zap the fun right away. And the point is to have fun!

Sit down with your family and talk to them about your idea. Explain what a seasonal spot photography project is and what they need to do to participate. Get them to chime in with their ideas, too. If they feel involved, they’re more likely to feel excited about it.

Make sure to lay out the expectations up front. It is a year-long project after all. After the third month, their interest may wane. If they go into it knowing all the details, they’ll be less likely to fight you on it when it’s go-time each month.

Picking the spot

The next step is picking the right spot for your project. The spot is essential to the project. It is the backdrop to all 12 images. The goal is to show the changing seasons throughout the year. You’ll want to find a spot that is visually interesting all year long, one where the seasonal changes are obvious.

Some things to look for:
- Trees or foliage that change color in the fall
- Interesting light
- Some sort of object or landmark
- Visually interesting setting
The easiest of these things, of course, is the trees or foliage. Scout out an area that you know has beautiful colors in the fall. Watching a tree, for example, start bare in the winter and slowly sprout buds in the spring to a fully green tree in the summer to a golden perfection in fall before slowly becoming bare again is an easy way to show the changing of the seasons.

Light is important, too. If your spot is in a place that doesn’t get much light, your images may appear flat and unappealing. Look for light that is interesting during different times of the day. Watch how the differing light appears in your spot and play with that throughout your project—use it to help tell your story. For example, last year my final image of the project was shot at sunset. A fitting end to the 2021 project.

Look for an area that is visually interesting. Your seasonal spot can have anything interesting—a big tree, a body of water, a wide open field, mountains in the background, a fence, a landmark of some sort. This is important for a few reasons. Firstly, you want your images to be immediately recognizable as your seasonal spot. Having something specific in it is the easiest way. One year I chose a fishing dock. Another year I picked a huge tree. This year I am using an old yellow fence.

Another reason it’s important for the spot to be visually interesting is to stave off boredom. Remember, at the end of this, you will have 12 images. You don’t want them to become redundant and dull. Consider that while scouting for your spot.

Consider accessibility

The location and accessibility of the spot is also very important. You’ll want to be able to get to it rather easily. I try to keep my spots within 10-15 minutes of my house and make sure they’re easily accessible in all seasons and at all times of day. You don’t want to be trudging through a bunch of snow or tall grass or big hills with your camera gear and family in tow every single month. And you don’t want your spot to be somewhere that closes early or have to drive forever to get to.

The more accessible your spot, the better. You’ll thank yourself come April when you’ve made this as easy on yourself as possible. My very first year I chose a spot in my backyard. It can be that simple.

My kids are already foreshadowing the possibility of mosquitoes come summer in the spot I chose for 2022. The spot is less than 10 minutes from my house, right alongside a road. It is approximately 10 steps from the car. From the time they exit the car, run to the fence, get in place and the camera shutter releases a few dozen times, they will be back in the car in under 15 minutes. The mosquitoes are truly a non-issue. But, going back to our first step I outlined earlier, communication is key. They grumble their concerns. I hear them. Then we discuss ways to overcome them.

Time to get creative

Now that you’ve found your perfect spot, it’s the fun part of being creative! You can choose to approach the photos on a more documentary level, where you set your children free in the spot and you capture them enjoying the moment. Or you can be more detailed in your planning.

I do a mix of both. Sometimes I like to incorporate the seasons or holidays into the images. A Santa hat or Halloween costumes, for example. Using props is a fun way to spice up the images and add to the storytelling. This is especially important in the months that are similar. Think about how the summer months may look similar in your spot. How can you break that up?

Here are some ideas:
- Seasonal props: umbrella, sleds, bikes (scooters, skateboards), popsicles, hot chocolate, flowers, balloons
- Other props: pets, favorite toys, creative outfits (snow gear, swimsuits)
- Holiday theme props: sparklers, Santa hat, Halloween costume, hearts, Easter basket
Keeping the images fresh

Other ways to keep your images fresh and unique is to incorporate action into the images and vary how you pose your children. Movement is always an easy way to add interest. Plus, your kids will most likely be more willing to jump around and play than sit still and smile.

Ask them to play a game of tag, twirl in a pretty dress, race down the road, ride their bikes or scooters, sled down a hill. It can be something as simple as playing a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors or the old game of Telephone, where they tell a secret from ear to ear. Read a book, tell a joke, dance, jump, do cartwheels. Anything that involves engaging your children will yield more natural results.

Same vantage point versus switching it up

A question you’ll want to ask yourself before you begin the project is whether you want to maintain the same point of view or vantage point for every single picture. Or, maybe you’d rather move around a bit and show a different perspective each month.

I, personally, choose one perspective and stick to it the entire year. I do this because I prefer the canvas, so to speak, to stay the same but the scenes unfolding to change within it. When I look through the images at the end of the year, I like to clearly see the seasons changing as if I’ve been standing in the same spot observing it happen before my eyes.

What to do when you live in an area that doesn’t change seasonally

What if you live in an area that doesn’t have noticeable seasonal changes? You can still do this project! You’ll just have to be more creative. You can rely on props and clothing and any other indicators you can dream up to identify the changing months.

One of my friends lives in Arizona and she decided to incorporate a drink in each image—hot chocolate, lemonade—to be the visual cue. Another friend used a seasonal aisle of a store. Another used her front porch and let her decorations do the talking.

If you don’t have four distinct seasons, you may have to be creative, but it’s definitely doable. Involve your children. I bet their ideas will be ten times better than your own!

What to do with your images?

At the end of the year you’ll have 12 images that capture a year in the life of your children. You’ll see the seasons change over time, as well as watch them grow right before your eyes. So, what do you do with them now?

I like to make a calendar with them. I give the calendar as Christmas gifts to our family. It’s fun revisiting our previous year’s seasonal spot unfold each month on the calendar that hangs on our wall.

You could also make a photo book. Imagine literally flipping through the pages to see the seasons transform before your eyes. Or create a collage will all the images to display on a wall.

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

What location will you choose for your seasonal spot?

About the author

Angie is a wife and stay-at-home-mom of three wild hyenas. She resides in rural Minnesota, where there are more cows and cornfields than people. She is an introvert with a creative itch that needs to be scratched, whether it is photographing her children in their daily lives or coming up with fun ways to explore nature in their backyard. Messy hair, dirty faces, mismatched clothing, wild and free children—all these things fuel her creativity and the desire to preserve these fleeting moments. Angie and her family can be found camping, biking, and sitting around a campfire during the summer months and sledding and ice fishing in a million layers during the winter.

You can find Angie online in the following locations:
Instagram: @angie_mahlke
RWMC posts: Angie Mahlke
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Finding Balance Between Organized Sports and Free Play for Kids
- March 8, 2022
As our kids get older and start showing an interest in organized sports, many families struggle with finding balance. Organized sports have many positive attributes and benefits for kids. But, they are also a time commitment that can take away from time spent outdoors or with family. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom of three teenagers, is here with tips and advice for parents on how to find balance between organized sports and free play for kids.

The choice to play sports

For many of us parents, we are living in a world where most of life is filed into the either/or categories. It appears to be no different when looking for a balance between play and organized sports. You either choose for your kids to play organized sports, or you swing in the other direction and choose not to participate in structured youth sports at all.

Many parents seem to think the choice to play sports or not is a clear “either/or” decision. But, I genuinely believe this can be a “yes, and” discussion, instead. The decision to play sports doesn’t have to be all-consuming. You can have kids that play sports and still make time for free play. Your kids can participate in sports and still prioritize nature and outdoor family fun. A balanced approach between the two is the sweet spot, which is what this post is about helping you find.

The difference between play and sports

While it may seem obvious what the differences are, as parents, we can often confuse play and sports. Of course, there are overlaps among both, as well. For the purposes of this article, let me define play as unstructured play or free play, either as an individual or with a group. Sports will be defined as organized sports or competitive youth sports, either as an individual or with a group.

Is it just me or do we often take the negative perspective when weighing parenting decisions? I noticed my frequent language around competitive youth sports contrasted with child initiated play as “don’t”, “can’t”, or “won’t”. As in I don’t want to trap my kids into one sport. As in I can’t structure my life around a sports schedule, or I won’t let my kids learn skills organically.

Together, let’s take a look at the plethora of positives in both youth sports and free play to see if we can marry the two and create a balanced family life for us and our kids. And for those of you who are looking for more outside time for your kids, many sports practices and games take place outside!

Benefits of youth sports

The benefits of playing sports encompass both body and mind. As kids develop physically, emotionally, and mentally, structured youth sports teams can play a vital role and teach them many important skills and values. You will find benefits of individual sports and team sports as kids progress in their skills and level of competitive play. Local youth sports can start as early as age 3 which can give kids a taste with very little commitment necessary.

Health benefits of youth sports

Youth sports organizations were created as a way to invite lots of kids into programs that work on specific skills such as running, jumping, kicking, catching, throwing, and more. The health benefits of sports are rather obvious as kids exercise their muscular and skeletal systems, often while breathing fresh air and soaking up Vitamin D. Coordination and flexibility are enhanced while simultaneously staving off risks of obesity and cardiovascular concerns.

Emotional benefits of youth sports

The emotional benefits of sports can be found in confidence building, a reduction in stress, and leadership skills. As kids are taught how to apply skills in sports, their confidence grows in what their body is capable of. The mere physical exertion creates a way for the body to eliminate stress and improves mental health in kids. Learning to be a good sportsman and to lose well and face failure is also part of emotional development that every kid needs. These are benefits to playing sports that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Social benefits of youth sports

Social benefits include blossoming friendships, and a sense of belonging. Both are crucial to child development. Each of my children have lifelong friends that began on a team or in a skills class/lesson. Kids learn to cooperate and communicate with one another while working together on a sports team. Remember that youth sports participation can be an incredible way for only children to get that extra bit of peer interaction.

Community benefits of youth sports

Local youth sports and summer youth sports are also an incredible way to bring in kids from the community that may not have other opportunities to be active or get outdoors time. Coaching youth sports is also a way for parents to snag extra time with their kids if they are working full time. There are also opportunities for mentoring in youth sports, which bring the community together and provide support to families in need. My kids have gotten to play on teams with kids they never would have met otherwise. It opens up their worlds. There are organizations working hard to create positive community involvement in youth sports.

Benefits of sports in school

Another major benefits of organized sports is the opportunity for kids to represent their school. Whether an athlete is competing as an individual or on a team, there is something special about school sports. Yes, the practice and game schedules can be hectic, but the bonding among student athletes is incredible. Kids will face all kinds of developmental markers like uneven play time, inter-squad competition, and learning from different coaches in new ways. All things, if approached with a positive mindset, that will help shape kids and get them ready to leave the nest in the future. And it helps instill pride for your community and school in your childen.

Benefits of free play for kids

There are numerous developmental benefits of free play for children of all ages, and they begin at a very young age. Unlike sports, most free play starts very organically within the family structure. Parents of young children can visibly see the positive effects of free play starting in the toddler years. The effects last well into the teen years as every kid needs time to let their minds and bodies move and explore without instruction.

Physical benefits of play

Coordination and motor skills begin developing at an early age primarily through play. General movement, balance, and strength are all flourishing in the midst of free play. Most kids and parents don’t even realize they are teaching their bodies how to adapt to their play circumstances. Physical risky play is showing their bodies what they can and cannot handle as they fall down and learn how to get up and try again.

Cognitive benefits of free play

As kids play without the interference of instruction or guidance from adults, they are learning to problem solve and expanding their critical thinking skills. Natural creativity and imaginative play can flow without restriction in free play. This is where innovation can truly take shape, no matter the age. Content knowledge and memory are challenged as kids explore the outdoors world. Sensory play in the mud, water, and sand helps kids file away important information for future nature play encounters.

Emotional benefits of free play

Active free play gives kids the opportunity to express themselves without a coach or teacher telling them they are doing something right or wrong, allowing them to develop a sense of self. Self confidence builds as children experience open ended play where scores and points can be ignored or welcomed or made up! Free play also allows the release of emotions in a healthy way through running and jumping and wearing themselves out.

Finding a balance between play and organized sports

What I hope you will see is that many of the positives of structured youth sports and unstructured free play overlap and compliment one another. I can’t tell you exactly how to find a balance, but I can encourage you that a balance is achievable.

First, give those young kids all the free play time you can. Be with them outdoors and foster a love for moving their bodies and exploring the world around them while they are small. Nothing bad can come from that, I promise.

Second, let your children lead you into the organized sports world when they are ready and interested. If your daughter wants to try soccer, let her try. If your son has no interest in baseball, don’t force it. Focus on the importance of movement, not skill development. As your kids gets older and team sports become more demanding, continue to have reasonable conversations about your family’s values of time and money and how sports affects everyone. They may not like your parental decisions at this point, but they can reason and understand.

Third, a balanced family life is of the utmost importance and will look different for each family. We all have dynamics to contend with that others don’t. For example, we have three children in a 5 year span so we could not physically be in multiple places at once when they were young. That affected the decisions we made and the activities they could participate in. Finding balance in life requires boundaries and firm decisions that parents must take control to achieve.

Words of caution on burnout and injuries

A few things to keep your eye on as your kids progress and excel include injuries in youth sports and burnout in youth sports. It should come as no surprise that overuse of arms and legs can wreak havoc on kids bodies. Personally, we never allowed our oldest son to play any travel baseball because he is a pitcher. We didn’t want his arm giving out at a young age so we compromised and found team tournament play to be a good middle ground. Any child who begins a sport young and continues for years and years will face burnout at some point. Give them a break if needed. No sport needs to be a kid’s sole identity.

Another warning would be not to swing too strong in one direction or the other. A healthy balanced life should include some form of organized sports and free play, even if it’s not always. If your child tries youth sports and it doesn’t stick, don’t sweat it! We have close friends who have a child that never enjoyed organized sports, but took to rock climbing and kayaking early. Don’t get too caught up in one way is right and the other is wrong. The point of sports and play is for active enjoyment in life.

Big kids still need free play

As kids get older, it’s seems like a natural progression for them to move from free play to more structured play with rules and parameters. It’s natural and happen. But, I have also found that big kids still need space in their lives for free play. You don’t outgrow play. At times, organized sports, especially school sports, can feel like an obligation or a chore for a child. Make sure to create time for free play for your teens and tweens because their bodies and brains need that release without the responsibility.

How are you creating a balance between play and organized sports?

Additional resources:
- Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Kids
- Free Play in Spring with Kite Flying
About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes