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Getting Families Outside, One Adventure at a Time

ANIMALS/WILDLIFE

ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
Dog Training Tips for Children
- November 16, 2020
Having a dog is a great way to get outside, stay active, and learn about loyalty and companionship. Training a dog for basic obedience and to play games can improve the relationship between a dog and a child. However, with everything that goes along with getting a puppy or an older dog, it’s hard to know where to start and what to do when it comes to training. Our Creative Team member and Illinois mom of two, Meghan Garriott, took her son along on a fun-filled morning with a dog training family. They learned some great tips and tricks and even found some unexpected benefits that came along with the training process. Read along to learn the best ways to get children involved in the dog training process.

A dog training family

My son Emmett (5), and I spent a morning outside, learning all the ends and outs of dog training with the Houk family, Avery (5) and her parents, Justine and T.W. The Houk’s run Round 2 Retrievers in Bethany, Illinois, where they train dogs for hunting, hunt testing, obedience, and puppy preschool. Avery spends most of her days, when not in school, outside training alongside her dad, or inside getting dogs socialized. Her confidence and control when handling the dogs can be recognized immediately and is amazing to watch.

Avery training dogs at 2 years old

Setting up the training session

Our morning started with setting up the training activities. The kids helped TW by bringing bumpers to the tree line, which was approximately 160 yards away. These bumpers are for the dogs find later in the training. Bumpers are durable plastic dummies that the dogs can carry in their mouths. When training for hunting the bumpers are used in place of what the animal is trained to retrieve for the hunter (e.g. ducks and other birds).

Setting up the field for training

Taking to the training field

The first dog to take to the training field was an advanced black lab named Stoger. We watched as Stoger was released from the sitting position by use of his name. With ease, Stoger was guided with hand signals and whistleblows to where the bumpers were.

T.W. signaled right or left with hand signals and called “back in” or “to attention” with whistleblows. Because of the uneven terrain, the dogs can’t see the bumpers until they are within a few feet of them. The dogs must rely on the hand signals and the whistle blows in order to get them to the right place to find the prize.

T.W. gives hand signals to the dog

Age of dog for training

We met a large variety of dog breeds and dogs of various ages while visiting Round 2 Retrievers. Some of these dogs were in various stages of hunt training, while others were there just for obedience training. T.W. says dogs can begin any type of training as young as 8 weeks. And while you can certainly teach an old dog new tricks, it is easier when you start with simple commands from a young age. It is easier to train a dog to properly do tasks than to have to correct old habits first.

T.W. rewards with praise and affection

Puppy training

With puppies, it is helpful to get them used to a collar and a leash early on. This is a great task for children to get involved with from the beginning. One of the younger dogs we observed that was being trained wore a long rope leash. The leash was not used to direct the dog anywhere (verbal commands and hand signals were used for that). The leash was there so he could get used to it and as a safety precaution in case they needed to use it.

T.W. says it is important for a puppy to be properly socialized and get them used to being touched in order to prevent future problems, especially around children. To do this, he suggests often touching their paws, opening their mouths to look at their teeth, rubbing their bellies, and lifting and checking their ears. This makes the dog more comfortable being touched by their owners, groomers, and veterinary staff in the future.

Retrieving the bumper with long lead

Beginner-level dog training

The first commands to learn when beginning dog training are: “sit,” “here,” and “heel.” T.W. says that when dogs that come to them already knowing these commands, they’re way ahead and are much easier to progress than dogs starting from scratch. The best way to implement these commands is to have the dog sit before completing activities like going outside and before being given food.

T.W. instructs Emmett

Kids can help with dog training from the start

For children involved in the training process, sit, heel, and stay are easy words to say and can be done many times throughout the day. Early commands teach the dog to be alert for commands. “Sit” can be easily carried out by gently pushing their bottom to the floor to show them what you mean when you say sit. Do this every time to reinforce the command/action connection until the dog does it automatically. These first commands should be given along with a hand signal. As the dog advances, the verbal command can be dropped, and just hand signals can be given (or vice versa depending on the circumstances).

Avery and Emmett begin their training

Consistency is key

T.W. notes that the amount of time training each day does not have to be great, especially in the beginning. Consistency is what matters most. A lot of time does not need to be spent giving or carrying out the commands, but they should be done frequently and in different situations for the dog to learn. Be sure to give the same word and hand signal every time so that dog is not confused and knows what to expect.

Emmett’s turn to train with Avery’s assistance

Training techniques

There are many different techniques used to train dogs: (1) positive reinforcement with rewards such as treats or affection, (2) e-training with an electrical shock collar to alert or discourage the dog, (3) attrition, which is a technique of repeating a command until the dog gets it right, while also actively preventing the wrong action. With this technique, you don’t punish wrong behavior; you merely prevent it. At Round 2 Retrievers, Avery and T.W. use a combination of these techniques. For younger dogs or dogs just beginning their training, attrition is mainly used along with rewarding with affection.

Emmett and Avery use hand signals to tell Yeti where to return

Children excel at affection

A child’s love and affection are the best rewards for most dogs. Children give this affection easily. This easy affection was clearly observed as Avery and Emmett interacted with the dogs, petting them, scratching their ears, and talking sweetly to them. Loyalty and the drive to please are some of the dogs’ greatest traits and they should be utilized and embraced when training. Likewise, the ease with which children give praise and their love of free play should also be embraced when going through the training process.

Emmett trying by himself under Avery’s supervision

Dog breeds

When it comes to dog breeds, T.W. says most dog breeds can be trained to do most things. However, different breeds may have different motivators and may excel at particular activities. Active breeds, such as labs, retrievers, and shepherds like to move, play, and complete tasks. They are easily motivated with affection and praise for a job well done. More sedentary breeds (like Saint Bernards or bulldogs) may be more motivated by foot or treats.

If addressing general obedience or training the family dog to play games, all breeds are equally appropriate. For higher-level training like hunting dogs, working dogs, or service dogs, there are preferred breeds to suit the needs of those roles.

This black lab was fast and excited to be training

Safety while training

It is important to remember (and remind children) that dogs are animals and not people. As lovable and cute as they are, they still have protective instincts, and there are measures that should be taken to ensure children are safe around the dogs and vice versa.

T.W. says that most dog bite incidents happen around a dog’s kennel or around food. Be sure to educate children not to put their hands in a kennel, which is supposed to be a dog’s safe place. Children should also be instructed not to play or bother a dog while it is eating. When approaching a new dog or a dog that is not your own, do not approach them from behind, which may surprise them, and always ask the owner’s permission first before petting or approaching.

Avery releases Yeti to fetch from the pond

Dog training games for home

After seeing the hunting dogs train, we went up to the house and met a 9-month-old golden retriever named Lola. Lola was at Round 2 Retrievers for obedience training, but T.W. and Avery had also taught her a fun trick of finding his keys. T.W. said he started with a metal washer. He would put the metal washer on the ground with a treat in the middle and release her to find it. Once she got good at that, he stopped putting the treat in the middle and just placed the washer on the ground for her to find.

As she did well with that, he progressed her to keys. We watched as we were in the kitchen of the house, and T.W. threw his keys into the living room. He told Lola to find them, and off she went. She put her nose down on the keys till he came to retrieve them. This is an easy hide-and-seek game children can play with their dog at home. Plus, it can usefun as well when you need to leave and can’t find your keys!

Yeti eagerly jumps into the pond

Outdoor games for kids and dogs

Dogs and children alike love to be outdoors and play games. Training dogs to play active games is a great way for the whole family to spend enjoyable time outdoors with their pet. Playing fetch with balls and frisbees is one of the better-known and easiest games to play.

Teaching the dog to drop the ball when commanded, or having the dog sit before giving a command to retrieve a thrown ball are ways to advance these games. Agility games, such as having dogs jump through hula hoops or over hurdles, can be great exercise and lots of fun for the dogs and kids. Hide and seek, as mentioned above, can also provide endless hours of fun.

Emmett releasing Yeti into the pond

Unexpected confidence boost

Going to our training session, I thought I knew all the benefits of training and the process of training. The dog would be well-behaved (obviously), and playing outside with our dogs is something we could all do together. But as our session progressed, I became aware of another unexpected benefit. As Avery showed us how she took command of her dog Yeti, she was so confident in her commands. She had no trouble explaining to Emmett what to do and how to do it. She was calm and decisive and assured.

Emmett was at first very timid. We have dogs at home and Emmett wasn’t scared of the dogs. But he was lacking confidence in his ability to command Yeti and for Yeti to listen to him. With a quiet voice and his hands in his pockets, he started out very timidly. After a few tries with Avery by his side, he soon realized that Yeti would release when he so much as whispered “Yeti” and she would bring that bumper right to his hand if he held it out.

As the training progressed, his hands came out of his pockets. His voice grew louder and more confident. In just the short time we were there, not only did he learn a new skill, but his confidence in himself and his abilities grew tremendously. By the end of the morning, he was confidently throwing the bumper into the pond and was overjoyed to watch Yeti retrieve it. Seeing that confidence bloom in your child is a beautiful sight.

Check out our full post on all the benefits of raising kids around pets and animals.

Emmet confidently accepts the bumper from Yeti

Benefits of training with children

Having a well-trained and obedient dog has obvious benefits. The dog is better behaved, listens better, and will be safer around children and in other situations. The process of training may seem difficult and time-consuming at first, but the benefits are immense and last a lifetime. Plus, when the whole family is involved in training, it can help build relationships and improve communication skills with each other and with the dog.

Training a dog takes consistency, patience, and grace. But, the relationship your family will build with your dog (and companion for many years) will be worth it. Plus, training your dog to play games can help get everyone outside and more active, improving the physical health of the entire family. Just remember to start small and have fun!

What will you and your dog start learning today?

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, NATIONAL PARKS
Kakadu National Park, Australia with Kids
- October 8, 2020
Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest terrestrial national park, situated in the Northern Territory’s tropical north. It would be hard to find a place that is more unique or diverse as this Aboriginal-owned World Heritage-listed National Park. It’s an incredible place. Today, we have Jodie of Territory Mama here to take you along on a trip through Kakadu and give you all the recommendations, tips, and advice you need to plan a trip to Kakadu National Park with kids.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park spreads across almost 200kms from north to south and over 100km east to west. The diversity of landscapes it covers range from coastal and estuaries to billabongs and floodplains, through to the rocky ridges and stone country of the Arnhem Land Escarpment. These landscapes are home to more than one-third of Australia’s bird species and one-quarter of it’s freshwater and estuarine fish species. Not only does Kakadu extend across such spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife, but it’s home to the oldest living culture on earth.

But, the best part about Kakadu National Park is that it’s easily accessible for families. And there are lots of amazing outdoor experiences for families to discover together. It’s a truly magical place and you can’t understand quite how incredible it is until you experience it for yourself, but I’ll do my best to capture a little bit about what makes this place so special.

Things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids

There are so many things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids. I’ve broken activities down by a couple of different categories: cultural experiences, waterfalls, and magical sunsets. These three activities encompass a lot of other activities that can be done at these locations (hiking, swimming, animal sighting, camping, etc.).

Cultural experiences at Kakadu

The traditional owners Bininj Mungguy have lived and cared for this country for more than 50,000 years and you can experience firsthand their connection to the country through many of the cultural experiences and tours on offer within Kakadu.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise – Kakadu Cultural Tours

The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a scenic boat tour upstream of the majestic East Alligator River. Your Aboriginal guide will provide insight into their culture, traditions, and beliefs. You will experience traditional hunting and gathering techniques and learn about the many uses for the plants and animals that call this area home. You may also spot many of the local saltwater crocodiles that inhabit this spectacular river. The cruise operates between May and November and is owned and managed by the traditional owners of Kakadu.

Yellow Water Cruises

Ran by the Indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism, the Yellow Water Cruises offer a year-round boat cruise along the ever-changing Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Billabong. It is recommended to take the cruise during sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active but many visitors undertake more than one cruise during their stay to experience the changes in wildlife at different times of the day. While cruising along the tranquil wetland there is an abundance of wildlife to encounter, up to 60 different bird species, saltwater crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo, and wallabies all in their natural habitat.

Warradjan Culture Centre

Warradjan Culture Centre was developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu to help tell their story. Displays include artifacts, bush tucker, and local artwork. During the dry season (April – September) local Aboriginal artists often conduct demonstrations here from painting to traditional weaving techniques and the kids are always welcome to join in.

Waterfalls at Kakadu National Park

There are so many stunning waterfalls to choose from at Kakadu National Park its hard to know where to start. Some can be a little more difficult to access than others and depending on your family’s level of hiking, its always a good idea to check with the Bowali Visitor Centre to see which falls would best suit your family. Here are our picks that are easily accessible but still have spectacular views and perfect swimming holes.

Gunlom plunge pool

Only a 100 metre walk from the carpark this sandy beach-like pool is perfect for young families. A shallow entry means the smallest members can splash by the edge while the more adventurous can swim to the waterfall. Gunlom is a seasonal waterfall and best visited in the early dry season (May – June); however, the bottom pool remains swimmable usually until August-September. (Gunlom waterfalls pictured below)

Maguk

Maguk requires a little more of a walk-in with a rocky 2km track. However, the effort is worth it when you reach the stunning turquoise pool. This waterfall is spring-fed so it flows year-round, which makes it a perfect stop even for travelers visiting later in the year when other falls start to dry up. Seasonal closures do still occur due to crocodile movement, so always check with the visitor centre before your visit.

Igoymarrwa

Igoymarrwa is a small crystal clear plunge pool located in the southern end of the park. Although a short drive in from the main Kakadu Highway, you will still require a 4WD. The waterfall however is just a short walk from the carpark opening up to a lush little oasis. (Igoymarrwa pictured above)

Jim Jim and Twin Falls

If you happen to visit Kakadu during the wet season (October – April) a scenic flight over Jim Jim and Twin Falls is an experience you will never forget. You can choose between a light aircraft or helicopter, with flights leaving from both Jabiru and Cooinda airstrips.

Magical sunsets at Kakadu

There’s a number of sites to take in the incredible Kakadu sunset but here are our top three.
1. Gunlom Top Pools – Gunlom is perched at the top of a waterfall. You can take in not only some of the best views in Kakadu but watch as the sunset lights up the bush and surrounding escarpment.
2. Ubirr Rock Art site – This point is overlooking the Nadab floodplain. It’s a stunning cultural site where you’ll feel as though you’re on a set from a movie scene. Channel your inner Lion King while watching the sun set into the horizon and the birds find their way to roost for the night. Ubirr is also home to some of the oldest artwork in the world, with galleries dating back thousands of years.
3. Nawurlandja Lookout – Nawurlandja overlooks the mighty Burrungkuy rock and Anbangbang billabong. The sun here sets behind you but you have front row seats to a spectacular display as Burrungkuy escarpment transforms before your eyes with the setting sun. (pictured below)
How to get to Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park is approximately 250km south of Darwin. If you fly into Darwin you can hire a car to explore the park on your own terms. Alternatively, you can join one of the many tours on offer, but be prepared these are often rushed and on a strict time schedule. We recommend 5-7 days to explore the park at a leisurely pace and to really explore all Kakadu has to offer.

When planning your visit keep in mind the scale of the Park, 200km from North to South. Many attractions are a full day out. If hiring your own vehicle, we highly recommend a 4WD. While much of the park is still accessible via 2WD, it will limit the sites you can visit, particularly, the waterfalls.

Where to stay at Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park has a range of accommodation options to suit most budgets. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park, and Anbinik Kakadu Resort all offer a range of air-conditioned cabins, eco tents or unpowered and powered campsites. For those looking for a little more luxury on their visit be sure to check out the Mecure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, which has been built to resemble a crocodile!

There are, of course, many campgrounds throughout Kakadu if you have your own camping gear. We love the campgrounds at Gunlom, Mardukal, and Garnamarr.

It is always a good idea to check in with the staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre before your visit to get the most up to date reports on road conditions, site openings. You can also get more in-depth information about the walks, level of difficulty, and whether they are suitable for you and your family.

Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little might stay in your hearts. If you want more, you can come back.”

Jacob Nayinggul, Manilargarr Clan

About the author

Jodie is a mum of two little adventurers living in the Top End of Australia. With a passion for nature and a lust for adventure, she is always exploring with her two littles in new and exciting places or special old favourites.

You can find more from Jodie online in the following locations:
Website: territorymama.com
Instagram: @territorymama
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, CANOE/KAYAK, FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Family Travel: Sunriver Resort, Oregon
- October 5, 2020
Adventure is out there for those that know where to look! And we love sharing those hidden-gem locations that are jam-packed with outdoor activities for the entire family. Today, our Creative Team member Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three and adventure-seeker, is here sharing her family’s recent experience at Sunriver Resort just outside of Bend, Oregon. While travel may not be possible for everyone right now, we highly encourage you to bookmark this post and immediately add Sunriver Resort to your travel bucket list for your next outdoor adventure getaway!

*This post was sponsored by Sunriver Resort. All opinions expressed and photos contained herein belong to the author.

Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon

If you are looking for sunshine 300 days out of the year, Sunriver, Oregon is waiting for you! This region of the PNW experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate and lots of sunshine year-round. In Sunriver, you will find a little gem known as Sunriver Resort. Sunriver is located about 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon right at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. The Deschutes River (a major tributary of the Columbia River) runs right through this beautiful resort and alongside the bike trails and golf courses.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway with plenty of adventure right at your doorstep, Sunriver Resort has so much to keep the entire family entertained, occupied and having fun outside. We spent a few glorious end of summer days enjoying this beautiful resort and absolutely loved every minute. I’m so excited to share our experience with you and encourage you to consider adding Sunriver Resort to your “must-see” list as soon as you can. This place is a true gem. My family and I will definitely be back. Sunriver may just be our new summer tradition.

Outdoor adventures at Sunriver Resort

The best way to get around Sunriver Resort is on a bicycle. Bike to grab your morning coffee, go shopping at the village square, dine at beautiful restaurants, all while filling your day with outdoor adventure and exercise. Every activity is within biking distance. If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, the Bike Barn has over 300 bikes ready to ride! Bikes are available first-come, first-serve and rentals include a helmet, lock and bike map.

Biking is definitely the most popular outdoor activity in the area and something this resort is known for. The bike trails are extensive, impressive and exquisite! Ride alongside the Deschutes River or through the forest on over 40 miles of paved bike paths and some of the best mountain biking trails in Oregon.

Horseback riding at Sunriver

One of the highlights during our stay was our visit to Sunriver Trail Rides. It is a magnificent Horse Ranch with over 54 beautiful horses. Sunriver offers guided trail rides in the spring, summer and fall for all experience levels, as well as pony rides for kids ages 2-6. If you need a lesson or refresher course, they also offer horseback riding lessons for those that want to polish up their riding skills.

We spent the day riding along the river and across stunning meadows. My youngest enjoyed a pony ride while the rest of us set out on “The Great Meadow Experience.” We saw coyote, deer, and other wildlife roaming through these serene meadows, which was just spectacular!

Also, this is a great place to meet genuine real-life cowboys! How about that? If you do the ride, you will get to experience a trail ride led by a real-life cowboy who will not only teach you, but entertain you with incredible stories and tales of cowboy life. These two had so much to talk about as we galloped down the meadow.

We also made friends with the most amazing horses. My children absolutely fell in love with these gentle animals and within minutes, they were the best of friends.

We spent the entire day horseback riding and getting to know these beautiful creatures. I love adventures where we can slow down and really take it all in. This adventure was one that I will always remember for it’s calm and soothing experience. The entire day felt relaxed, un-rushed, fun and grounding. It was such a great way to spend our last days of summer.

Deschutes River float trips at Sunriver Resort

The next day, we set out on a water adventure down the Deschutes River. A quick bike ride from the resort and we explored a 6 mile stretch of the Deschutes River. This is such a great way to see the beauty of this entire area. You can float, kayak, or paddle down the river on a raft, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. All rentals are available at the Sunriver Marina and include life jackets, paddles and a shuttle ride back to the marina at the end of the float.

We rented canoes and slowly made our way down the river. This felt just like a real-life lazy river, only better! The scenery was incredible, the company was fantastic and the weather was perfect. We stopped for snacks along the way and enjoyed a slow morning cruising down the river. We had so much fun floating down this picturesque river while lazy ducks moved right along with us!

Sunriver Resort pool

And last, no trip to Sunriver Resort would be complete without a trip to the pool! The Cove pool is the resort’s outdoor pool and is zero-entry (great for little ones). It also has a hot tub, private cabanas, a waterslide, nature walk and discovery area, a poolside restaurant, lakeside trails, and a spacious deck and lawn. My kids absolutely LOVED the rock slide. The pool offers gorgeous mountain views and was such a serene experience.

Adventures for everyone

Sunriver Resort is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation for the whole family. The adults had just as much fun as the kids and we all got to do something (multiple things, actually) we loved. Our days were filled with so much adventure and we never had to leave the resort. The location is inviting and offers so much fun for the entire family and we are already making our list of what we’ll do when we come back. Because, we will definitely be back!

Have you been to Sunriver Resort in Oregon?
What activity would you be most excited about?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation to a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FARM, INFORMATION, SUMMER
Summer On the Farm with Animals
- September 15, 2020
Everyone loves springtime on the farm – baby animals everywhere and they’re so cute and cuddly! (Even baby vegetables are adorable!) By fall, many farm animals are fully grown – or at least close. What you may not realize is that there is a magical time between spring and fall which seems like animal childhood. Summer! This is when the animals develop their distinct personalities, find their tribe, and learn whatever it is they are supposed to learn. Just like children, animals often learn through play. Today, we have Ginny Yurich, founder of the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, here to walk us through the growing up months of farm animals! As a first-year farmer, she’s been fascinated to learn so many new things she was never expecting to learn. Are you curious about summer on the farm with animals is like? Read on!

Little farm animals have big personalities

Springtime on a farm is so exciting, everything is bursting forth with new life. It can also be a challenging time as new farm babies don’t always make it. There are high highs and there are very low lows. However, once springtime passes into the summer months, there are a lot of new little animals to take care of and I was surprised to see all sorts of individual characteristics emerge. Summer on the farm with animals is a really magical time of year – particularly if you get to experience it with your kids.

Prior to living on a farm and being around farm animals, I would’ve thought there wasn’t much distinction from one goat to the next. Who knew chickens had such distinct personalities? Turns out, farm animals have all sorts of personalities and unique characteristics. Summertime is when those personalities start to emerge and you get the opportunity to meet your new crew and learn all about them.

Birds of a feather flock together

Fun fact: There are over 20 billion chickens in the world. Beyond chickens, there are other birds in the same animal order (technically called “Galliformes”) that include turkeys, quail, pheasants, peacocks, guineafowl, and more! Often the chicks can be raised together in the same incubator; a space where they are kept warm for the first several weeks of life.

As they grow older, even though they don’t know what they look like, they gravitate to the birds of their own kind. It’s incredible. The turkeys hang out with the turkeys. The guineafowl run with the other guineafowl. And the chickens all roost together at night. Sometimes, a few chickens may team up with a guinea or two, or any other combination of these chicken-like birds. But by the end of the summer, they all have separated on their own to be with birds who have the same characteristics. Summer on the farm is when important decisions are made in the life of a bird.

Learning about chickens, turkeys and guineafowl

We’ve learned so much about our birds this past year and summer on the farm has been a great time to observe them. As chickens, turkeys, and guineafowl grow up they are busy establishing a pecking order. If you have a lot of poultry-type birds you can watch this sophisticated process unfold. The birds start to group together almost like little gangs! There always tends to be one who leads the pack when they run around the chicken run or when they free range. How do they keep this all straight? Well, chickens are able to differentiate between more than 100 chicken faces of their own species! It helps that they can see in full color. It’s remarkable.

The personality of chickens

Some chickens like to stay put near their coop. They are satisfied to have food and water brought to them daily like royalty. Others are foragers, doing what they can to escape their confines to explore nearby property. They look for bugs and dig small holes to sit in to stay cool. At night, some birds will enter the coop like clockwork, ready to roost and rest to prepare for the next day. Others try their best to get into available trees, also roosting but in actual branches instead of on poles in the coop.

One thing we didn’t know when we first got chicks is that it can take up to six months before they actually begin laying eggs. Some will lay eggs a little earlier depending on breed. Even once they begin laying it takes them a while to get into a groove. The first eggs can be small and may not even have a shell! Where will you find the eggs? Possibly in a nesting box in your coop. But, if your chickens are free-range, there is no end to where they may lay them. In fact, one of our hens was hiding an entire clutch of amongst some long grasses for three entire weeks! We only found them because they hatched and six little chicks were out following their mama around.

Oh, the life of a pig!

Summer on the farm with pigs has definitely been interesting! Before we got pigs I had read that they don’t smell all that bad. In my opinion, that turned out to be false. Pigs definitely have a distinct odor and most would find it quite unpleasant. Piglets themselves are very strong. At just 30 pounds they are hard to control, imagine when they grow ten or more times that size! Some pigs can grow to over 700 pounds.

During the summer pigs do what you would expect them to do – they eat. And then they wallow in the mud to keep themselves cool. And then they sleep. Oh, the life! Pigs are extremely intelligent animals. Ours have escaped their pen more than once by lifting the gate entirely off its hinges. You’ve gotta be quick with pigs around. If they are out for long, they will root up your entire lawn. You’ve also gotta be quick with pigs because pigs are fast runners! On those short little legs they can run a seven-minute mile!

Raising goats

There isn’t anything much cuter than a baby goat. Did you know baby goats can be up and walking within minutes of birth? As they grow, goats develop unique and distinct personalities. Some are calm, while others are more active and wily. Some try and escape time and again, while others are fine to stay put. Eventually, if you breed a female goat (also called a doe or a nanny) and she gives birth you may be able to milk her. Certain goats are fine with the milking process while others kick and jump the entire time.

Just like humans, goats need companionships. Unlike dogs, where a family could own just one, it would be unhealthy to own just one goat. A group of goats is called a herd (ok, not that surprising), but if you’re going to have goats…go with the herd mentality. Get a bunch!

Baby goats jump and frolic and as they grow they become very good at climbing. Often farms will have small goat playgrounds for the goats to jump around on. Below is a photo of our only goat escapee, Spirit. She is constantly squeezing out of her pen to forage for new weeds while her mama (Willow) and brother (Spark) are fine to stay put. The good thing is that she’s still small enough to be lovingly carried back to the barn.

Barn cats

The barn cats (and kittens) have been such a delight for us this summer! At birth, kittens weigh about the same as a lemon. For the first one to two weeks of life, they cannot see or even hear! Both their eyes and ear canals are closed when they are born.

It takes about four weeks for a kitten to begin to play. Just like in children, this play helps them learn the skills they need to learn in order to survive. Kitten play looks like running, climbing, pawing, chasing, and pouncing. They often play with their siblings (some of whom may be half-siblings, see below). Kitten play will help them develop social skills as well as predatory skills, both of which are needed if the kittens remain outdoors.

One of the most interesting things I’ve ever learned about kittens is that all of the kittens in a litter aren’t necessarily from the same father. Each egg is fertilized by one single sperm. And if there are several male cats (“toms”) around, each egg may be fertilized by a different tomcat. This may account for the variety of colors, patterns, and personalities that emerge from one single litter of kittens.

Summer on the farm

Summer on the farm is like a sped-up version of childhood. It is such an exciting experience to watch our farm animals grow and observe their personalities and unique characteristics emerge and shine. Those individualities make it a little harder if a particular animal passes, which can be a common experience due to all sorts of factors such as parasites or predators. Still, the animals that do grow up on your farm can become like little family pets. Once the springtime rolls around again, many farm animals will be old enough to reproduce themselves and the beautiful process of life begins all over again!

What is your favorite farm animal?
Are there farms near you that are open to having visitors?

About the author

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019.

You can find more from Ginny in the following locations:
Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
Facebook: @1000hoursoutside
RWMC posts: Ginny Yurich
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FARM, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
10 Tips for Letting Your Kids Help with Chores
- September 10, 2020
Getting kids to help out around the house with chores can feel like an overwhelming task at times. Very rarely do kids offer to clean up the playroom, put dishes away or walk the dog. However, kids are naturally curious, want to spend time with their parents, and love helping out in the right circumstances. Today, we have Creative Team member Jake Smith, Washington farmer and dad of four, here sharing 1o tips for letting your kids help with the chores. Whether you’re on a farm, in the city or anywhere in between, these tips are great ways to incorporate fun, learning, and responsibility into your chores and projects. Before you know it, you might even start to like doing chores with your kids!

10 tips for letting kids help with chores

Currently, our family lives on a small farm in Washington State where there is an abundance of daily chores. Staying on top of all the chores around a farm is no small task. Some days when I call on my kids to help out, I’m not exactly met with joyous, excited replies. So, I decided to dig a little deeper to figure out how to make doing something monotonous a little less so.

I make no claims to be an expert on the subject of getting kids to help with chores. However, I feel like writing these 10 chore tips is as much for myself as it is for the kids because it’s so easy to get impatient and just revert to the classic, “fine, I’ll do it myself!” manta. At the very least I’m here to provide a glimpse of hope that doing chores with your kids can be fun, rewarding, and will set them up to become capable and creative problem solvers.

You don’t have to live on a farm to teach kids about responsibility and helping out with chores. We haven’t always lived on a farm. Just a few years ago we lived in the suburbs and were able to experiment with and apply many of these same principles successfully. I hope you’ll be able to apply some of these tips to your situation, wherever you live and whatever the chores are.

1. Make it fun

I can’t stress enough how important it is to make helping out with chores fun for the kids. If there’s only one tip you take away from this post and forget the rest, this is that tip. I won’t lie, there are plenty of chores I don’t enjoy doing. Why would I expect my kids would miraculously love doing the things I dislike? They share my DNA after all, chances are we’ve got more than a couple of similarities.

However, when we need to get some work done, it helps tremendously to find a way to incorporate a little fun into the chore. If we’re dreading the chore or if it’s bordering on the mundane, we pump the jams and do dance silly dances while we work. We sing songs or tell each other jokes. Whatever it takes to get excited that day. And while I’m not saying you should bribe your kids, if you happen to have some popsicles you were planning to dole out later that day anyway, maybe some correlation between work done and a reward isn’t a bad thing. Particularly, when they’re struggling to get excited about cleaning up the living room…

2. Offer choices

When getting kids to help with chores, I’ve learned some days they just need options. Kids like feeling like they have some control and say in the decision-making process. If there are multiple chores that need to be done, I give them a choice. Do you want to help feed the chickens or the cows today? Some days they’ll choose the chickens, some days they’ll choose the cows, others they want to do both and we have to decide which to do first. However, we are all susceptible to choice overload so I try not to offer them more than two or three options at a time.

For many of our farm chores, they aren’t big enough yet to do things on their own, so they assist me. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t have helpers. However, it certainly makes it more fun for me when they tag along, carry what they can, and ask a million questions. Before I even realize it, they’re able to do a little more, then a little more. Eventually, they take over a task from me entirely. It’s a beautiful process to observe and bittersweet as they get older.

3. Follow their interests

Following our kids’ interests is more than a small part of why we have our farm. I’m willing to bet our kids were partially influenced by our desire for living the farm life, but regardless, while we were living in the suburbs, farming is what they played, drew, and talked about every day. We worked and sacrificed in other areas of our lives to make finding our farm a priority. A place where the kids could explore their interests and space to develop new ones.

For you and your kids, it may be something other than farming. Maybe it’s sports, going camping, biking, animals, art, etc. Every one of our kids has slightly different interest areas. Our oldest LOVES her chickens. At eight years old she knows more about birds of every type than I do, no joke. Going and collecting eggs, making sure waterers are filled, and checking to be sure everyone looks healthy isn’t even thought of as a chore to her. She loves it. Our kids don’t think about their interest areas being work, they just wake up and want to go do them. Unfortunately, things like unloading the dishwasher and taking out the trash rarely fall into this category so you may have to rely on one of the other ten tips for those guys.

4. Create a daily chore routine

Kids love routine and knowing what to expect. Every day, we try to do roughly the same chores, in the same order, at the same time of day. It gives the kids some consistency and helps with transitions. The kids now know that when I’m finishing up filling waterers for one group of chickens, we will be transitioning to filling buckets of water to pack to another group of chickens further away. They can anticipate the next move, so they run into the barn and argue about whose turn it is to hold the hose to fill the buckets that day. By the time I’ve reached the hydrant, there’s usually one of them holding the other end of the hose ready to fill the water buckets up.

Some of these chores were never ones that I specifically asked them to do or help out with. I just went about my daily chore routine, they followed along and picked up on it. They saw places where they could jump in and help out, based on our routine. Certainly, our chores don’t all happen this seamlessly, and even this example has breakdowns regularly when they can’t agree on whose turn it is to hold the hose. That’s just life.

5. Make it a learning experience

We homeschool our kids and consider our farm part of the learning experience. Farm life is a natural progression to ask questions and invite curiosity. While we’re doing our chores, we like asking the kids leading questions that get their brains thinking about life on the farm. “Hmm, interesting this chicken egg is green, do you know why that is?” “Why do you think the cows chose to eat this variety of grass but didn’t touch that grass over there?” “Wow, the moon is super orange tonight, what do you think causes that?”

Chances are, I don’t actually know the answers to most of these wonderings, either. But that’s ok. Because we’ve fostered that childlike wonder about everything, the kids are asking me what seems like a million questions a day about things I’ve never even considered. I’ll ask them to keep that question and we’ll look it up when we get back into the house. Every evening we’re looking up answers and learning together. They’re so excited about the things they’re learning, seeing, and exploring they don’t even notice we’re getting chores done at the same time.

6. Lead by example

Kids are observant. Sometimes, they’re a lot more observant than I want them to be. My attitude about a certain task is almost always replicated in my children. If I’m going to have a bad attitude about going out and shoveling snow in the dark for the fifth time this week, there’s absolutely no chance they’re going to want to join me and help out. They may come out and sled down the hill while I shovel, but there’s no way they’re going to help me shovel because I’ve told them it’s terrible either in my body language or in word. Why would they willingly want to do something they know I don’t enjoy?

However, if I make it fun (see tip #1) for myself, chances are it’ll make it fun for them too. We’ve had many snow shoveling competitions to see who can clear the most snow the fastest. The clear winner? Me. 😉

7. Let them take ownership of their areas

This tip fully belongs to my wife, I can’t take credit for it. We were struggling so much with getting the kids to help out regularly with household chores; unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom, setting/clearing the table, etc. You know, the ones you just sort of do over and over and over again all the time endlessly? We tried assigning chore charts for these. Then we tried a weekly rotating chore assignment. Then we tried no chore charts. You name it, we tried it. No luck.

Kicking and screaming fits regularly lasted longer than doing the actual chore would have taken. Finally, in order to get the kids to help with chores, my wife got the idea to try letting each of the kids have “their areas” of ownership. Areas of the house that involved certain tasks they could become experts in and take pride of ownership around. If the bathroom is clean, I know to comment to my oldest about how great it looks. If the front entryway has all the shoes put away and I can actually walk through it without tripping, I know kid #3 has worked her magic and to tell her thank you.

8. Include them in whatever you happen to be doing

Even though I’m a farmer, I still work my normal 8-5, off-farm job just like everyone else. So, when I’m home in the evenings or on the weekends I like to spend time with my family. Shocker, right? Rather than making all the farm work another thing keeping me away from my wife and kids, we’ve worked to turn chore time into family time.

Kids have a natural curiosity and love for helping out. Just by tagging along in whatever I happen to be doing, they’re observing and learning from me constantly. A lot of the time we gather eggs together, if someone gets a particularly pretty egg they’ll exclaim and show the rest of the family. When we go load haybales for wintertime feed, the whole family comes along. Sure, I do all the work at present while my wife drives the pickup, but they’re observing and learning. In a few years when they’re strong enough to help out, they’ll do so excitedly and the learning curve will be small.

9. Expect them to be beginners

I know this one sounds pretty straightforward but for some reason, it wasn’t easy for me to realize they have never done…well, anything really. Maybe because they’re kids? Like I said in the beginning, I’m not an expert in this parenting business. Maybe I’m the slow learner? But I had to learn to just let them be terrible and take forever at first. Would it have been easier and quicker to just do some tasks myself? Yes, absolutely. And at first, I would do just that. I would take over and complete it myself.

However, now I’m slowly learning to just let them be terrible, to let them learn, to figure it out through some guided trial and error. It’s going to be terrible the first time anyone does anything. The tenth time? A little less terrible. The hundredth time? They might have it down pretty good by then. By providing your kids with a safe space to try, fail, and try again, they’ll learn over time they can figure most anything out and won’t be afraid to take the chance to try. This is probably one of the most empowering things I’ve done for my kids.

10. Have patience with them

Having patience with the kids as they figure out how to help with chores goes hand-in-hand with tip #9. Like I said in the beginning, I’m no expert at this. I’m trying to figure it out at the same time. But, I have noticed one thing, if I’m grumpy or short with my kids while they’re doing their best to help me out, you can rest assured they’re not going to enjoy doing that task again the next time. I try to always be conscious of my attitude and my demeanor, especially around them. It may seem like craziness but I find at least 50% of my kids’ attitude around anything in life directly reflects my own attitude. In reality, it’s probably much higher.

As parents to our precious little children, we’re their whole world. They’re taking in, learning, and figuring out everything through us. It’s all new. They look to us to mimic what to do, how to react, how to feel. So, having patience with them means having patience with myself, and understanding the much greater goal is not to have accomplished my to-do list successfully at the end of the day. The goal is to have lived a life worth living, to have loved my family unconditionally, and to have mattered to those around me.

How do you get your kids to help with chores?

About the author

Jake and his wife Jessica are raising four adorable children on Blackridge Farms in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Jake enjoys any time spent on the farm taking care of their various animals and seeing how quickly the kids learn to care for and love their animals. He bounces back and forth between the farm and his 9-5 while Jessica shoulders the bulk of responsibility of homeschooling the kids, keeping the house in order, and keeping a watchful eye on the farm in Jake’s absence. While he has one foot dipped in the 1800s, the other foot has danced around the marketing and tech fields where Jake has worked as a Graphic Designer, Digital Designer, and most recently a User Experience Designer. Beyond those pre-packaged titles, Jake is a creative dreamer with an entrepreneurial streak that believes in the power of one’s mindset, time spent with loved ones, and real, healthy food.

You can find more from Jake online in the following locations:
Instagram: @blackridgefarms
Website: Black Ridge Farms

You may also like this post on Cattle Farm Chores for Kids.
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, LESSONS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PRINTABLES, SUMMER
Fun with Fireflies
- August 4, 2020
Fireflies (or lightning bugs) are one of my all-time favorite things about summer in the Midwest. It can be brutally hot and humid here during the long summer days, but something magical happens at dusk. As the heat fades away and the sun casts long shadows over the yards, you can start to see the faint twinkling of fireflies coming out to play. Today, a few members of our Creative Team are sharing some of our favorite stories, childhood memories, and parenting moments involving fireflies. We hope you enjoy these stories and have the opportunity to experience fireflies for yourself. And be sure to stick around to the end because we’ve got a great list of firefly books for kids and an educational resource on fireflies!

Firefly facts

Scientific Name/Family: Lampyridae (fireflies) in the order Coleoptera (beetles)

Description: There are approximately 175 firefly species in North America and Northern Mexico. The adults of most species are readily identified by their brown or black, soft bodies, somewhat leathery forewings, and a usually red or orange pronotum (a shieldlike plate) that covers the head from above. The last few segments of the abdomen are pale yellow and can glow yellow, green, or sometimes red, depending on the species. They are the only flying, bioluminescent insects.

Larvae: The larvae, called glowworms, are wingless. They don’t blink, but they do glow continuously and can be seen on the ground, especially in moist areas near grass and brush.

Size: About ¾ inch in length.

Image credit: @a.splendid.life

Fun firefly facts for kids

Fireflies are not flies at all – they’re in the beetle family. These beetles are special in that most of them have bioluminescence, the ability to produce light! They are sometimes called lightning bugs or forest stars. There are about 200 different species, most of which are nocturnal.

A chemical reaction within the firefly’s light organ produces the light—oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP—the energy-carrying molecule of all cells) and a chemical called luciferin, when an enzyme called luciferase is present.

Fireflies are usually brown or black with yellow and red marks. Firefly light can be yellow, green or orange. Each species of firefly has its own flash pattern.

Male adult fireflies fly through the air and search for females with a species-specific light display. Some flash only once. Some emit “flash trains” of up to nine carefully timed pulses. Others fly in specific aerial patterns, briefly dipping before sharply ascending and forming a “J” of light. A few even shake their abdomens from side to side and appear to be twinkling. Some adult male firefly species mimic the courtship signals of others, lure in prospective “mates,” and then eat them.

Simultaneous bioluminescence is an incredible phenomenon where all the fireflies flash at the same time! This only happens in two places in the entire world: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee and southeast Asia. No one knows why!

These beetles overwinter as larvae and in spring they metamorphose into adults. Firefly larvae are voracious predators with jaws equipped with toxin to help them overpower snails, slugs, earthworms, and other prey. Adults eat a variety of foods, depending on the species. The firefly larvae also flash their lights to warn predators that they have chemicals that make them taste bad (and can be poisonous).

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Benefits of fireflies

Beyond the entertainment and awe that fireflies induce (for kids and adults alike) on dry summer nights, fireflies are beneficial insects. The larvae help control the population of the various invertebrates they pray on, such as snails and slugs (banes to the gardener). Many scientists use luciferase (the bioluminescent enzyme) in gene research, as a way to observe biological processes, and in forensic research.

There’s even an old-time Ozark tradition that held that the appearance of fireflies meant that cold weather was over and it was safe to set out tomato plants.

Image credit: @robbs_rule

When and where to see fireflies

Fireflies are nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). They are usually seen in spring and summer, when the winged adults fly, the bioluminescent tips of their abdomens winking on and off.

Fireflies live in warm or tropical climates in the United States, Latin America, Caribbean islands, and Southeast Asia. In the US, they only live east of the Rocky Mountains. Fireflies like to live in damp (forests, marshes, leaf piles) and dry (backyards, meadows) areas. They’re commonly seen in meadows, yards, edges of forests, and around streams.

If you want to encourage fireflies in your area, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides.

Help save the fireflies

Unfortunately, the firefly population is decreasing across the globe. When luciferase was first discovered, the only way to obtain the chemical was from fireflies themselves. Today, synthetic luciferase is available, but some companies still harvest fireflies, which may be contributing to their decline. Other factors that may be contributing to firefly decline include light pollution and habitat destruction—if a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies don’t migrate to another field; they just disappear forever.

However, you can help!

Firefly Watch

Mass Audubon has teamed up with Tufts University researchers to track the firefly population and these amazing insects’ fate. With our help, they hope to learn about the geographic distribution of fireflies and what environmental factors impact their abundance.

Firefly Watch combines an annual summer evening ritual with scientific research. Join a network of citizen scientists around the country by observing your own backyard, and help scientists map fireflies.

Anyone in North America can participate in Firefly Watch. All you need to do is spend at least 10 minutes once a week during firefly season observing fireflies in one location (your backyard or in a nearby field). All firefly sightings—or lack thereof—are valuable! For more information on how to help, click here.

Image credit: desirea_corbett

Firefly jokes for kids

Q: What kind of food do fireflies like to eat between meals?
A: Light snacks.

Q: What kind of cars do lightning bugs drive?
A: Glow carts.

Q: How are fireflies eco-friendly?
A: They glow green.

Q. Why was the mommy firefly so sad?
A. Her children were not very bright.

Q: What’s the opposite of a firefly?
A: A waterfall.

Q: How do fireflies learn math?
A: With flashcards.

Q: What a firefly’s favorite game?
A: Hide ‘n glow seek.

Q: What did the firefly say to her friend for encouragement?
A: “You glow, girl!”

Image credit: @meghangarriott

Firefly crafts for kids

There are so many fun and creative firefly crafts for kids to do this summer. You’ll find fireflies (or lightning bugs) made from things like paper towel rolls, pinecones, plastic eggs, paper lunch bags, a pipe cleaner, light bulbs, glow sticks, and more. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cardboard Tube Firefly from Buggy and Buddy
- Firefly Suncatcher Craft from I Heart Arts ‘n Crafts
- Pine Cone Fireflies from Fireflies and Mudpies
- Fireflies Using Bandaids from I Heart Crafty Things
- Fireflies Using Plastic Eggs from Emma Owl
- Glow in the Dark Firefly Jar from Come Together Kids
- Glowing Firefly Craft from Teaching Mama
Image credit: @meghangarriott

Firefly stories from our Creative Team members

Meghan Garriott

Fireflies (or lightning bugs as we call them here in the Midwest), have always been a sign of good things to come, not only in childhood but as an adult as well. My favorite season is summer. Summer is packed full of fun with county fairs, fireworks, late nights, and my birthday (July 4th). While school usually ends in May, the fun stuff doesn’t usually start till the end of June. Here in Illinois, lighting bugs usually make their first appearance from mid to late June. As a child, without a phone or a calendar to tell me the date, the first sight of lightning bugs always got me all excited, knowing the good part of summer was finally here!

Our town celebration and fireworks took place at the end of June. We would play at the carnival with our friends all day, then line up in the back of pickups to watch fireworks at night. When we saw lightning bugs flickering their lights, my friends and I knew it was time to get back to the trucks because the fireworks would soon begin. We loved chasing their lights and seeing how many lightning bugs we could catch before the show began.

The nights are long and late in the summertime. My children, just as I did, love to stay up late. If we were out catching lighting bugs it meant we were going to get to stay up late and play outside! This tradition carries on. As an adult I love seeing the joy they get from something as simple as staying up late and running around outside, in bare feet, to catch lightning bugs. There is so much nostalgia and joy attached to these amazing little lightning bugs. They brought so much joy to me as a child and now in adulthood, they remind me to slow down, relax, and look for the good things to come.

Image credit: @kristcx

Kristen Ryan

Catching fireflies is one of those things that’s so nostalgic and takes me right back to being a kid. I love to experience the same activities with my own kids that I did as a child. Here in Oklahoma, fireflies (and their magical flashes of light) only seem to be around for a few short weeks out of the year. So, when they do start to pop up in the early evening hours there is just something so special and magical about them.

My daughter isn’t always on board for catching bugs, but even she can’t help but get excited about one of these magical little creatures landing on her. We love to catch them and then watch them glow as they seemingly float away. I love to try to capture photos these sweet moments year after year. Catching fireflies is one of those fleeting childhood activities that I know may not last forever.

Image credit: @kristcxImage credit: @sara_mccarty

Sara McCarty

I’m not sure there’s anything I love more in the summer than fireflies. Yes, the pool and ice cream and summer camp are all nice and well, but give me an evening filled outside, filled with the magic of fireflies, and I’m instantly transported back to childhood. Like many kids of the 80s and 90s, my childhood was spent outside, surrounded by nature and a gaggle of cousins. Summers involved tractor rides, swimming in the creek, climbing trees, playing tag, and fishing. But the culmination of any day spent outside was the first twinkle of fireflies.

Fireflies meant something special to us as kids. They meant staying up late and playing outside. They meant camping and cookouts. I’m embarrassed to admit it now, but we’d use the bugs’ light-up parts as jewels and paint to decorate ourselves. We’d fill Mason jars with them, topped with tin foil and a rubber band, and study them as they flew around and lit up. They were fascinating and awe-inspiring.

Experiencing fireflies as a parent is no less magical. Fireflies in our area start appearing mid to late June and continue appearing into August. Just the mention of fireflies and my kids get giddy! They love staying up late to catch them just as much as we did. Even in the suburbs, we have an abundance of fireflies in the evenings and it’s amazing watching all the kids emerge from their houses, clad in PJs to come out, and catch them before heading back in for bed.

It’s so much fun to see the kids’ personalities come out as they catch them. My oldest is fearless and is an expert bug-catcher with ninja-like reflexes. My daughter will catch one and hold onto it, singing and talking to it all night long. Some kids wear gloves because they don’t want to touch them, and others let them crawl all over them! Each kid has a completely different reaction, but they all love them!

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Katie Fox

Growing up in California, fireflies were essentially mythical creatures only found in books and movies. Of course, unlike bigfoot and unicorns, we knew fireflies actually existed. But despite spending a significant amount of my childhood outside, I never really gave them much thought. It’s true that you just don’t know what you don’t know.

As a parent, I have the privilege of immersing my children in nature and learning right alongside them. As part of our nature-focused learning, my children watch shows that explore nature, such as Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, and Brave Wilderness. These shows often give us a chance to view creatures we otherwise would not see. This is the case with fireflies. I don’t necessarily remember the Wild Kratts episode on fireflies or when my children first watched it. But, I do know that the show and fireflies made an impact on my five-year-old.

We travel around North America in an RV we call home. So, while we are technically from California, we’ve spent a little over a year traveling and exploring parts of the United States. As we traveled, we were on the lookout for local and native animals. We’ve seen some amazing creatures (like banana slugs, kaibab squirrels, elk, roadrunners, dolphins, cardinals, and moose). We knew we were entering their habitats and we knew to keep our eyes peeled for them. Maybe it’s because I’m not a bug person, but it didn’t even occur to me to look them up as we traveled. But that is the beauty of wildlife and nature, I didn’t need to know about them to accidentally find them.

When we entered Nebraska and pulled into Windmill State Park, spotting new animals was not on our radar. After a long travel day and a humid afternoon spent exploring, my five-year-old was avoiding sleep to the best of his ability. On this particular night, he chose to open the curtain by his bed and look outside. After a few moments, he very excitedly sat up and said with so much enthusiasm and the biggest smile on his face, “FIREFLIES!”

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

My partner and I peeked out the window and sure enough, there were little lights blinking on and off everywhere our eyes could see. Dusk never looked so beautiful. I can’t be sure, but I assume what I felt in this moment is what it would feel like to spot Bigfoot in the California Redwoods. Awe-inspiring and totally unexpected. We found beautiful creatures and now we could explore and learn more about them.

It took my five-year-old a significantly longer time to fall asleep that night. But, the twinkling fireflies eventually lulled him to sleep. The next day he talked endlessly about them and I discovered he learned what they were from an episode of Wild Kratts. Like me, he first learned about fireflies through media, but unlike me, was able to experience them in real life during his childhood. That evening, he was ready. He had a net (which we all quickly discovered was not necessary) and his mesh bug cage. Our whole family spent hours outside chasing and catching fireflies. We ran, laughed, rolled in the grass, and had a magical evening among these unexpected illuminated bugs.

In true homeschooling family form, we’ve integrated fireflies into our learning. We rewatched the firefly episode of Wild Kratts, we found them in our bug books and learned a lot about them. I even decided to create printables for us to explore them a bit more through poetry, vintage illustrations, and art.

The best part? We’ve had fireflies visit us every single night since that first night in Nebraska. We’ve traveled through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and the fireflies dance for us each night. It might have taken me 34 years on this Earth to see a firefly, but my children get to remember them as part of their childhood experience. And for me, giving my children experiences I didn’t have is one of the neatest aspects of parenthood.Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Firefly nature study printable

If your kids are interested in learning more about fireflies, our Creative Team member Katie Fox put together this incredible instant downloadable packet of materials all about fireflies. It comes with 9 pages of content and is the perfect addition to any summer, insect, garden, or nature study. This printable set supports multicultural learning and all of the content is fact-checked and paired with vintage illustrations to create beautiful nature learning activities. These pages and activities pair well with many nature-focused curricula, nature-based learning, Charlotte Mason and Montessori educational approaches, and so much more. They are very versatile and a great addition to any homeschool, classroom, or learning experience!

Image credit: @meghangarriott

Firefly books for kids
Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Do you have fireflies where you live?
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, FISH, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
Exploring California Coast Tidepools
- July 13, 2020
Tidepools are incredible little shallow puddles of seawater with a life of their own! Each one is a microcosm – a tiny little rocky world filled with fascinating creatures and sea life. Exploring tidepools with kids provides endless hours of entertainment and learning for the whole family. There’s so much to observe and discover. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, Northern California mom of three, is here to take you on an adventure through the tidepools along the California coast!

California coast tidepools

Tidepools are one of the main attractions along the California coastline. Sprinkled all along Highway 1, you’re sure to find these beautiful gems throughout. Some of the best tidepools can be found along the Mendocino Coast, Monterey, Big SUR, Cambria, and all the way down throughout Southern California. The Central Coast (the area roughly spanning the coastal region between Point Mugu and Monterey Bay) is a family favorite with amazing tidepools. The Carmel Coast tidepools are pictured here.

The best time of day to visit a tidepool

The best time to visit a tidepool is low tide when the water levels are calm and at their lowest. Low tide gives you more tidepools to discover and lets you explore much further out on the beach. You can take a look at a “tide table” in your area to find low tide times of day and make the most of your visit. Tide tables are handy charts with helpful low and high tide information. We recommend going just before low tide to give yourself the maximum amount of time to explore the tidepools. Start inland and work your way out as the tide recedes. But make sure to keep your eye on the tide and what the water is doing. Stay safe and come back inland as the tide starts to rise.

Tidepool safety tips

Tidepools are so much fun, but it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure your kids are safe. Water (and the ocean in particular) can be dangerous and safety should be a top priority when exploring tidepools. Always be mindful of ocean currents and waves. Keep an eye on the time, the tides, and the water level. Never leave littles unattended. Rocks can be slippery, especially when covered in seaweed, so be extra careful when walking around on rocky beaches. Water shoes with good grip are always a good idea, but if your kids are anything like mine barefoot is their shoe of choice. Remind them to watch their step and not step directly into water where they can’t see the bottom (and know what they’re stepping on).

For the safety of the animals in the tidepool, I like to remind my kids to be delicate when picking up any sea creatures. If you can observe without touching, that’s even better (but not always preferred for kids – they love a hands-on experience). If they do pick up something, always put it back where they found it. Advise them to never pull or remove animals attached to rocks or the sand. These should be observed just as they are – and that’s fun too!

Tidepool seashells

My kids love finding and playing with seashells in tidepools. Most of the shells we find belong to snails – periwinkle snails, whelk snails, unicorn whelk – mussels or oysters. Teach the kids to observe them, enjoy them (very gently) and then leave them behind for the next person to enjoy. We try to remain mindful of the impact we have when visiting these gorgeous places. We tread lightly and are careful not to trample on these tiny creatures. Most seashells we find are still occupied by little creatures that are still alive so they need to remain in their home. However, if we find an empty shell, I’ll let the kids keep one. We love collecting them, sorting them by shape and color. It really is one of our favorite activities.

Tidepool treasures

When you explore tidepools, you’ll find so many treasures to uncover. From tiny little snails to great big ones like the abalone that lived in this shell. From colorful sea glass to beautiful seashells. Rocks of every shape, size and color. Crabs and claws, urchin and anemones. Sea stars, slugs, sand dollars, and sculpin. Algea and octopus! In a tidepool, even the sand is interesting!

Bring along a book or a printable guide that helps you and your kids identify your finds. Get to know the animals and plants in your area and the distinctions between them all. We can spend hours turning over each rock and observing the little creatures. Our kids love the thrill of exploring each tidepool. What will we find…a snail, crab, clam, oyster, starfish? You never know! There’s so much to learn from exploring a tidepool and it’s why we love the California coast so much. The opportunity to explore and learn about nature is priceless.

Slowing down

Exploring tidepools at low tide gives us an opportunity to uncover endless possibilities. Look under each rock and you will be amazed at what you will find. Move seaweed aside and peer into crevices. Find craters in the sand or rock with trapped sea creatures. Dig in the sand and see what you can find. Exploring the tidepools always seems to slow us down and make us take notice of all the amazing things around us. I love that our kids stare at everything with such intent. They are so calm and interested while observing. It’s obvious that they’re learning and thinking and uncovering new ideas. They ask great questions and engage all their senses. In a busy and overscheduled world, it is so important to slow down and enjoy the little things. Tidepooling gives us that opportunity.

Hike it, baby

Hiking is another family-favorite activity and the California coast is an incredible place to hike. We love a good trail that ends the hike down at the beach with some fun at a tidepool. Just the anticipation of going tidepooling gives the kids something to look forward to and helps us power through a hike. Point Lobos State Nature Reserve in Monterey County not only offers an incredible opportunity to hike along a breathtaking trail, but you can also break to explore some really amazing tidepools. This is one of our favorite hiking trail that leads to tidepools.

Learning made fun

Exploring the California coast tidepools is a great way to expose kids to marine life and get them interested in the wide variety of aquatic plants and animals. Tidepools have the power to really unleash a child’s curiosity! Exploring a tidepool is a great hands-on full-body way to learn and connect kids to our environment. We enjoy (and highly encourage) any and all questions that come our way. We love talking about what causes a tide, how the moon and sun play a role. Why is there a low and high tide? Why are some animals protected by a shell and not others? What’s the difference between these types of animals? Why the different colors, shapes of sizes? So many questions and so much to learn in a super fun environment! And if we don’t know the answers, we discuss our theories and then look them up when we get home!

Cliffs and more

California coast tidepool adventures are not only about the tidepools. When exploring the California coast, you’ll find so many other amazing sites and things to do. The topography along the California shoreline is incredible. The bluffs and cliffs, the rocks, the crashing waves and the gorgeous beaches. Along the Mendocino Coast, you will find an array of tide pools right alongside some really gorgeous cliffs. You can hike/climb down to the shore and admire all the beautiful flowers on the cliffs. There are dramatic coastal views filled with lush turquoise water all along this coastline. This area is filled with beautiful sleepy little coastal towns, farms and lighthouses, as well. Go for the tidepools, but make sure to check out other natural attractions and sites in the area, as well.

California coast tidepools

I hope this post inspires you to get out and explore the tidepools along the California coastline. There are so many different experiences you can have in so many various locations. The scenery and the finds are different every time you go. Exploring tidepools with the kids never seems to get old. California tidepools offer a wealth of diverse marine and aquatic life that’s sure to please kids of any age. Get them interested in nature – get them in a tidepool!

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation for a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband make it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. She’s a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
Poison Ivy, Mosquitoes, and Ticks, Oh My!
- July 1, 2020
Poison ivy, mosquitoes, and ticks sure do make it less pleasant to spend time outside in the summer, but not impossible! Getting outside is always worth it and more important than ever for kids right now. This time of year, we get a ton of questions from concerned parents about how to keep these summertime pests and nuisances away. Spoiler alert – it’s not always possible. And in that case, how should you treat bites and rashes on kids when encounters with poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks happen. Today, Leslie Alvis, Ohio mom of four, is here with all the information you need to know to prevent and treat poison ivy, mosquito, and tick bites. She shares her experience battling these pesky parts of nature and how her family handles their inevitable encounters.

The threat is real

Have you ever felt like outdoor threats are worse now than when you were a kid? If you do any research about ticks, poison ivy, or mosquitoes, you may decide it’s true! And you wouldn’t be wrong. Poison ivy is actually thriving in the increased carbon dioxide levels on the earth right now, making it more prolific and more potent. Thanks to the spread of the black-legged and dog ticks, Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are on the rise across the United States. And mosquito-borne illnesses lurk behind the whining of mosquitoes, even in your backyard.

If you spend some time Googling any of these problems, you may decide the safest thing is just to keep your children indoors! But being outdoors holds many more benefits than risks. The memories and skills our children develop outside will last so much longer than the itch of poison ivy or mosquito bites. We just need to take extra measures to identify and prevent these threats. Today I’d like to share some tips and resources with you about poison ivy, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Summertime pests

I love being outside, always. I’m also passionate about getting my kids outside in every season, despite the obstacles. Every season has them. Here in Ohio, we face a triple scourge in the warm months—poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes. They threaten the safety and fun of our everyday adventures outside. But despite these pests, I want my children to experience the wonder of life outdoors. I want them to know how to forage for wild berries, to hear the echo of birdsong in the thick summer woods, to design and build a wilderness fort with their own hands, to clear a homestead from an overgrown patch of land. Sometimes, though, making these adventures a reality is hard. There are bugs, poisonous plants, and things that bite and itch and sting.

We’ve always spent a lot of time outside, but this year is especially outdoor-oriented for us. We just sold our house in town and are renting a house in the country while we build our own homestead just down the road. We are now living and working on the edge of a large, swampy woods that is swarming with poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes. Dealing with these problems, and doing my best to protect my children from them, is literally my everyday.

Poison ivy

Let’s start with poison ivy, because I’m pretty sure (despite all the turbulent worldwide events) 2020 is going down in my family’s history as “The Year of Endless Poison Ivy.” I’ve jokingly dubbed our homestead “Poison Ivy Acres.” I grew up in the country, hiking and playing in the woods, and I have never seen poison ivy like on our property.

Our poison ivy is vibrant, huge, and absolutely everywhere! It hangs overhead from the trees, snakes through the underbrush, and has aggressively infiltrated the meadow. It’s even coming up in my garden. If we step off the driveway, we’re in poison ivy. Sometimes up to my toddler’s armpits. Despite our constant efforts to kill it off, it’s the scourge of our summer. But we’re also determined not to let it ruin our lives, or keep us from working as a family on our dream.

Poison ivy identification

Poison ivy is a vined plant best identified by its groupings of three leaves, often with jagged edges. The old adage, “Leaves of three, let it be” helps with quick and easy ID. I recently learned the second line to that saying: “Vines with hair, beware.” Poison ivy is often found growing low to the ground on the edges of wooded and wild areas, but it also uses its hairy vines to climb trees. Poison ivy oils, found on not only the leaves but also the vines and the roots, contain a strong irritant called urushiol. These oils cause most people to break out in an itchy, blistery rash 24-48 hours after exposure to the skin.

The oils from poison ivy can remain active on surfaces for up to five years and be transferred to your skin from your clothes, your pets, your kids’ boots….the list goes on and on. Poison ivy is considered most potent in the spring and summer, when the new leaves come out, but you can contract a rash at any time of year from the stems and roots of the plant. It can also survive for YEARS on surfaces, so it’s possible to get a poison ivy rash in the middle of winter from a pair of boots sitting in your garage.

Although innocuous-looking, poison ivy is nasty, mean stuff. But can you deal with it? Yes, you certainly can!

Poison ivy prevention

The best way to avoid getting poison ivy is to keep the oils from coming in contact with your skin. Wear long pants and boots when you know you might be walking through poison ivy. Obviously, the best prevention would be to avoid any contact with the plants at all. Sometimes that’s possible. You’re walking along a nice trail through the forest, you notice some poison ivy leaves growing along the edge of the path, and you steer your whole family away from it. Simple enough.

But what about that unconcerned toddler sitting in the middle of a poison ivy patch? What about when your kids dash ahead to a stream and as you follow, you realize they’ve run blindly through three-leaved greenery? In shorts! What about when you’re working to clear and build a homestead that’s knee-deep in poison ivy? (That’s me! Plus my four children. And my husband. And our dog.)

Washing to prevent poison ivy

The first thing to do is wash the poison ivy oil off. If you can wash the exposed skin with soap and water within a reasonable amount of time–several hours for most people–chances are you won’t get a poison ivy reaction, or at least not much of one. Since our family can’t avoid exposure right now, washing is our primary defense.

Every time we step off the driveway or garden area on our homestead, everyone gets scrubbed from head to toe as soon as we get home. (Pro tip: use a shower, not a bath, so your children aren’t sitting in the oils you’re trying to wash off.) All the clothes go straight in the wash. On a perfect day, I’d wipe down boots and wash the dog, too, but let’s be honest…that doesn’t really happen. I’m sure some of the rashes we’ve gotten have come from second-hand exposure.

For washing off poison ivy oils, we typically use an old-fashioned laundry soap, Fels-Naptha. It’s cheap and effective. An all-natural option is a Poison Ivy/Oak bar like this. Some people have told me you should use a lye-based soap. The point is to get the oils off. This really works.

Despite spending long days working in an astonishing amount of poison ivy, we have had surprisingly few major reactions this year. Yes, we keep getting little patches here and there. But, as long as we wash well, we avoid the worst of it. (My older kids sometimes skip washing after a quick excursion through the woods. They definitely regret it later!)

Explaining poison ivy to kids

Side note about explaining to kids the way the oils spread and why it’s so important to wash all over. I was having a hard time getting this concept across to my littles, until I saw my oldest daughter playing in charcoal from an old burn pile. Her hands, her arms, and her face were all covered in black soot. And she had no idea she had smeared it all over herself. So, I showed her in the mirror, and explained that poison ivy oils spread by touch in exactly the same way. It finally made sense to her why you have do more than just wash your hands to get rid of poison ivy.

On-the-spot poison ivy remedies

What about when you can’t get to soap and water right away? You’re out hiking and hours from getting your kids in the shower and someone just rolled in poison ivy. Don’t panic—there are a couple of ways to counteract those oils. Jewelweed is a natural antidote to poison ivy and often grows in shady areas nearby. If you don’t mind a little herbal therapy, just pick some jewelweed leaves, crush them in your hands, and rub the exposed area of skin with the gooey leaves. It counteracts the oils naturally.

If you’re not quite into something that green and juicy, alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also help cut the oils and clean the skin. We use both of these options when we know we won’t be able to wash with soap and water soon.

Poison ivy treatment

Kids tend to get into poison ivy more than adults. They also have a different idea about how to “scrub up” after poison ivy exposure. Often you will have someone with some red, itchy patches a couple of days after a wilderness adventure. Poison ivy is miserable, but it is treatable.

Calagel is a favorite over-the-counter remedy for the itching of poison ivy reactions. Jewelweed salve is a natural alternative and seems effective as well. We’ve also been using these poison ivy pills. They really do seem to help. When worst comes to worst, an antihistamine (like Benadryl) will help relieve the misery. The rash usually clears up within several days without needing medical attention, but you can always call your doctor if you’re worried about a severe poison ivy reaction.

Ticks

Ugly, small, and persistent, ticks are an insect that carry a variety of diseases. They transmit illness by burrowing their heads under the skin of their victims and staying there for a long period of time. Tick-borne diseases are nothing to take lightly. As someone with a close relative who contracted Lyme Disease from a tick bite and remained diagnosed for months, I’ve seen firsthand the effects of Lyme Disease. It really terrifies me. But I have to remember the facts. Tick bites are often preventable and many times harmless. And tick-borne illnesses, when caught promptly, are treatable!

Different kinds of ticks live in different areas of the country and carry various diseases. You can learn more about identifying ticks here. They are most commonly found in tall grasses and thick woods, but can appear anywhere. We found one on our two-year-old this morning as she was getting in the car to go to church. I think it came from the dog…but I really have no clue.

Tick Prevention

Preventing tick bites is fairly straightforward. If you know you’ll be in an area with lots of tick activity, dress appropriately and use an insect repellent rated for ticks. Dress yourself and your children in long pants, tucked into your socks, and tall boots. Tuck in shirts. All these measures give ticks fewer places to bite. They climb until they find exposed skin, so it also gives you more time to notice them and harmlessly brush the tick off your clothing.

But let’s be real—are you really going to get your offspring in long pants and tall boots for a hike on a 90-degree summer day? Sometimes that just won’t happen. So that’s where insect repellent comes in! Spray your clothes, not just your exposed skin, to help discourage ticks. If you aren’t sure what kind of repellent to use, try this helpful tool here. For a plant-based DEET free option that works great on kids and pets, try TickWise from 3 Moms Organics (get 10% your order with the code RUNWILD10).

Tick bites

Sometimes a sneaky tick will circumvent your best attempts to keep it away. Or maybe your area, like our homestead, just has a lot of ticks. When you’ve been in the woods or tall grass, it’s best to check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks immediately afterward. Check especially the areas around sock lines, waistbands, and hairlines. If you find and remove a tick promptly, you can often avoid any kind of reaction or illness.

Tick removal

If you do find a tick on any member of your family, don’t panic! Get some tweezers, grasp close to the skin’s surface, and firmly pull the tick straight out. You want to make sure you get the entire tick and don’t leave the head embedded under the skin. I know, it’s freaky. Whether it’s on a child or a pet, my heart jumps into my throat every time one of my kids shouts, “I found a tick!” It’s happened several times lately because our homestead seems to have a lot of tick activity. I just can’t get used to it.

But, I have learned to successfully remove the whole tick, and so far we have avoided any kind of worrisome reactions. (If you put the tick in a bag and stick it in the freezer, you’ll have it on hand for testing if your child develops any kind of illness or reaction. This seems especially important if you are in an area not widely known for having tick-related illnesses. An tick-borne illness can be harder to get diagnosed, and having that tick available to show your doctor can be really helpful.)

When tick bites turn bad

Watch the area around the bite for several days, keeping an eye out for redness, swelling, or the trademark “bulls-eye” rash of Lyme Disease. There are other tick-borne infections that can also cause a bulls-eye rash (such as STARI), you should call a doctor if you develop any kind of fever or rash after a tick bite. Getting prompt diagnosis and treatment for a tick-borne illness will allow a speedy recovery! This website has a lot of really helpful information on tick prevention, identification, illness, and removal.

Mosquitoes

Who doesn’t despise the whine of a pesky mosquito in your ear? I think we’re all familiar with the seasonal plague of mosquitoes. They breed in stagnant water, thrive in wet areas, and come out when the air is still, especially in the evenings. Just the mention of them makes me itch. We live on the edge of the swampiest woods, and the mosquito issue is real. Their bites are itchy and irritating, but they can also carry nasty illnesses.

Protecting my children became a bigger deal to me as I realized that kids are more susceptible to mosquito bites. It seems like we adults have learned to notice and slap away mosquitoes a lot quicker than our oblivious young children. Some of my biggest mom fail moments are when a toddler wakes up with an eye swollen shut from a mosquito bite (my little ones are really allergic!). It happened again this week after we took an excursion back into Grandpa’s mosquito-laden woods. I failed to get insect repellent on my littlest one’s face and the mosquitoes found the tender skin near BOTH her eyes. For two days I wanted to cry every time I tried to see her sparkling blue eyes behind her puffy eyelids.

Mosquito prevention

Just like with ticks, there are two keys to preventing mosquito bites: covering the skin and using insect repellent. If you know you’re going to be in a swampy area, or sitting around outside in the evening, try to cover as much skin as possible. Bring along some lightweight long-sleeved overshirts, or dress your kids in shorts that roll down as pants. These little precautions help a lot to keep mosquitoes off the sensitive skin of our little ones.

And for the rest of the skin…there’s bug spray. I really don’t like using strong bug repellents if I can avoid it, especially around small children, but I think our littlest ones need extra help to protect themselves from mosquitoes. I’m always on the search for a good insect repellent that I feel safe using around young children and babies. We really like this plant-based product. But, like I learned this week–you have to apply spray everywhere you don’t want mosquitoes! A quick pass over the back of a hat won’t protect the face from aggressive mosquitoes. When we head back out into the woods this week to pick wild black raspberries, I’m planning to spray some repellent onto my hands and gently rub it on her face like I would sunscreen.

We’ve also been burning citronella candles and these insect repellent sticks when we’re outside in the evening, and they help discourage mosquitoes. A smoky campfire works, too! My daughter claims that a good smearing of mud really helps keep the mosquitoes off…but I haven’t tried that one.

Mosquito bite treatment

As with poison ivy, if your kids do get mosquito bites, there are lots of products that make the reaction more tolerable. My favorites are a salve with llavender essential oil (one of the only essential oils universally considered safe for children) and Calagel. Mosquito bite reactions usually begin to disappear within a few days, and rarely need any medical attention. If your child should begin to run a fever or have a disturbing reaction, always consult your doctor.

Enjoy your summer, despite the pests

Yes, poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks are annoying and can cause problems. But many of the issues are preventable and unfortunately, they’re just another part of being outdoorsy. Don’t let these warm-weather problems keep you from experiencing the wonder, beauty and benefits of being outdoors! Know the risks in your area, find a good insect repellent, dress appropriately, and head outside! There’s a world of wonder waiting to be discovered.

What are your best tips for dealing with warm-weather pests?

About the author

Leslie is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of light, children, and sometimes chickens. She’s a lover of Jesus, wife to her high school sweetheart, and a homeschooling mom of four wild rascals who love the great outdoors as much as she does. As a family, they love hiking, camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity. She and her husband are just beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves. Leslie has a lifelong obsession with writing and capturing everyday life from behind the lens.

You can find more from Leslie in the following locations:
Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Client work: @lalvisphotography
RWMC posts: Leslie Alvis
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, SPRING
Hatching Chicks in an Incubator with Kids
- May 12, 2020
Bringing nature inside is an excellent way to engage children, learn new things and make family memories. There are many ways to incorporate nature experiences into our homes and schooling. These are a great complement to outdoor nature excursions and adventures. One incredible way to teach your children about nature, caring from animals and life cycles is to hatch baby chicks! Today, we have Ginny Yurich, founder of the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, here to teach us about hatching chicks in an incubator with kids! The entire fascinating process takes just 21 days from egg to chick. Even if chickens are not in your future, this is a great read – share it with the kids!

Nature at home

I am writing this post in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are on shelter-in-place orders for a few more weeks and have been for quite a while now. Like many people, the plans for our winter and spring were significantly altered. These past few months were originally slotted for a speaking tour around the United States and countless adventures along our travel route. Instead, we’ve found ourselves stuck at home. We’ve had to find new ways to incorporate nature into our lives. New circumstances offer new opportunities and this slowed down pace has allowed us to try some brand new things. Caring for the animals on our farm has been an incredible experience and a wonderful way to get our daily dose of nature.

Learning new things

With this new lifestyle came new experiences for our family. For the first time ever we got to experience hatching chicks right in our house! This post details our second attempt hacking chicks because nothing happened the first time around (they weren’t fertilized, see below). True to form, I consistently fail at pretty much everything I try the first go around! The second attempt, however, left us with FOUR brand new baby chicks. What an experience!! It was so exciting that we cleaned out our incubator and set another batch of eggs in the very next day.

Since this experience is all brand new to us I probably won’t answer all your questions. However, we learned a tremendous amount about the process and that’s what I’m going to share with you here! This an excellent time in life to have some chickens around, if it’s allowed where you live. If not, this is still a fabulous learning activity for your school or homeschool. You can always find people to buy the chicks once they have hatched… or you could just give them away!

The incubator

I am proud to admit that I am now a part of several chicken groups on Facebook! Those are my go-to places for information on hatching chicks and raising chickens since these are the people who have already tried what I have not. The Nurture Right 360 Incubator was the top incubator choice in all of these groups, and so, that is what we went with. It holds up to 22 eggs! Its top features are heat and humidity consistency, egg turning, a countdown timer, and a candling feature (more about candling later). We love it, but this is by no means your only incubator option.

There are many sizes, varieties, and brands of egg incubators available. Some hold as little as three eggs while others can hold up to 250! An incubator is even something you can even make yourself, if you’re feeling crafty. If you search DIY incubator plans you can find countless articles and videos detailing different ways to make one! Another option to consider is calling your local school district to find if they have one you can borrow for three weeks.

Incubator must-have features

In order for the incubator to actually work, it must be able to keep the egg environment at a consistent temperature and humidity. Chicken eggs must be kept at a temperature between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the ideal temperature. This is extremely important because temperature fluctuations as little as one-fourth of a degree can decrease the rate of hatching and/or cause health issues with hatching chicks.

Humidity control helps the developing embryos have the correct amount of moisture throughout incubation. Similar to the temperature, there is an acceptable range (50 to 65 percent humidity) with 60% being the ideal number here. Incubators have water-holding devices that help maintain humidity levels.

Some incubators turn the eggs automatically. In order for eggs to be viable, they must be turned three times a day every day until the final 72 hours before hatching. This keeps the yolk right in the center of the egg white so that it doesn’t stick to the shell membrane. If the yolk gets stuck, the embryo will die. If your incubator doesn’t have an automatic turning feature you will have to rotate the eggs by hand. Miraculously, mama hens know to turn the eggs they are sitting on! If you were to place a small line with a pencil on the outside of an eggshell that a hen has been sitting on you would find, by looking at your line, that at different times of the day the hen will have rotated the egg. Isn’t that amazing?

If you look below, you will see that our incubator shows temperature, humidity and the day of incubating we are on. D-10 means that there are 10 days remaining. A red light will show up if temperature or humidity is outside of the acceptable range.

Fertilized eggs

Biology 101 – in order for an egg to be fertilized, a hen and a rooster must mate prior to the formation of the egg. Hens can lay eggs with or without the presence of a rooster. The eggs you buy from the grocery store are not fertilized. They come from hens who live with other hens. If you want to hatch baby chicks a rooster must be involved in the process. A single successful mating session allows a hen to produce fertile eggs for around two weeks. You can use a process called egg candling to find out if your eggs are fertilized or not.

If you have your own hens and they live with a rooster, chances are you will have many fertilized eggs. If you do not have a rooster, you can also obtain fertilized eggs from hatcheries or even buy them in local groups on Facebook!

Egg candling

Egg candling is a fascinating process allowing you to partially see inside of an egg and watch the development of the embryo over time. It’s as simple as shining a bright light on the egg. However, the process must happen quickly, in just a few minutes or less, in order to avoid the temperature of the egg dropping too drastically. Be sure to handle the eggs with clean hands. Around day seven of development, egg candling allows you to tell which eggs are fertilized and which ones are not.

Some incubators come with a bright light you can carefully set your egg on in order to observe. Or, you could just hold the egg in one hand and use your other hand to shine a flashlight into it. Some people use an actual candle (hence the name).

By day seven you should be able to clearly see an embryo forming inside of a fertilized egg. It looks like a small black dot. Additionally, you may see the presence of veins. You can clearly see the difference between the eggs below. One shows the black dot of the embryo and emerging veins while the other is empty and not fertilized.

As your egg develops, through candling, you will be able to see the embryo grow and even begin to wiggle around. It will gradually fill the egg up causing the inside of the egg to look very dark. Once day 18 hits it’s time to leave the eggs alone and wait for them to hatch!

(fertilized egg above – unfertilized egg below)

Preparing for hatching

Hatching is wildly exciting! This is definitely our favorite part of the entire process! Chicks can begin hatching as early as 19 days. Although, occasionally the process can take as long as 25 days. Did you know that you can actually hear the chick chirping before it breaks out of its egg?! Amazing.

On day 18 of development, stop turning the eggs, raise the humidity to 70%, and begin to wait. From this time on, leave the eggs be and do not handle them if at all, if possible. One of the very last things to happen is that the chick absorbs the yolk. This allows the chick to go up to 72 hours without food and water after hatching. It’s also what makes it possible to order chicks through the mail!

The first thing you will see is a pip. The pip is the first crack in the shell that the chick creates using its egg tooth. Once the first pip happens your chick will be fully hatched within 18 hours (but often a lot sooner). From this point forward to do not open the incubator. A drop in humidity or temperature can gravely affect hatching chicks by drying up the membranes inside of the egg. Leave the eggs/chicks alone and just watch in utter fascination!

The hatching process

The pip will eventually turn into a crack that goes all around the egg. It doesn’t happen in the middle. The crack will occur towards the end of one side of the egg. While hatching, the chick will slowly turn its body around in the shell to extend the crack from the inside out. Hatching is an exhausting process and once the chick has finally emerged it may look limp and lifeless for a while.

A newborn chick will be wet and slumped over. Resist the urge to attempt to dry them off. Within just a few hours they will fluff up and start looking super adorable. Moving them from the incubator too early could cause them to catch a chill. Remember not to take any of your baby chicks out until they ALL hatch!

And now you have chicks!

Now that you have baby chicks, what do you do next? Well, a photo shoot is definitely in order! Next, Baby chicks hatched in an incubator will need to go into a brooder once they are completely dry. A brooder is a heated area meant to keep chicks safe while they are small. Many people make a homemade brooder out of a plastic tub or even a plastic pool. The chicks will stay in the brooder for about 8-10 weeks. After that, you can move them to a coop. On average, chickens start laying eggs around six months old.

Hatching chicks with kids

And there you have it! Our entire experience hatching chicks from eggs and all the fun stuff we learned along the way. This was such an incredible experience for our entire family and we learned so much. If you ever have the opportunity to try hatching chicks from eggs, you should! And if not, make sure to share this read with your kids and explain the process so they’re aware. Kids (and adults) are fascinated by this and will learn so much.

Have you ever watched a chick hatch in an incubator?
What are some of your favorite ways to bring nature inside?

About the Author

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019.

You can find more from Ginny in the following locations:
Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
Facebook: @1000hoursoutside
RWMC posts: Ginny Yurich
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, CRAFTS, GOOD FOR NATURE
Easy and Eco-friendly Bird Feeders to Make with Kids
- February 17, 2020
Did you know that birds, on average, eat between ¼ to ½ of their body weight every day? That’s a lot of calories for a bird to scrounge up every day, especially in the barren winter months. Feeding the birds is such a great way to get kids involved with nature and teach our children how to observe and feed wild animals. It’s no wonder so many of us love to help feed our feathered friends. Today, we have creative team member Leslie Alvis here, an Ohio homeschooling mom and photographer, sharing four eco-friendly easy bird feeders you can make with your kids.

Birds of a feather

Many of us have birds outside our windows on a daily basis. If you don’t feed them regularly, you might not realize just how many birds live near your home. In our yard, we don’t feed the birds during the plentiful summer months. However, during the winter we fill up our bird feeders and then looking for other ways to offer them some treats.

I’m always amazed when we put out seed and the birds just flock to our yard. My children press up to the windows, delighted to see all those little feathered creatures nibbling away at the treats we’ve made for them. We hope these bird feeders make the cold winter days a little easier for these busy birds.

Eco-friendly bird feeders

My children love making homemade bird feeders. However, I’m a little picky about which projects we tackle. I like our bird feeders to be environmentally-friendly and biodegradable. That way, if the next windstorm blows them away, they aren’t creating litter somewhere. Also, I’m not a super crafty person, so they need to be simple enough for all of us.

We’ve tried making a few different types of bird feeders this winter that pass our tests of being both ec0-friendly and easy. Today, I’m sharing four eco-friendly and easy bird feeders you can make with your kids: (1) bird feeder muffins, (2) pinecone bird feeders, (3) log suet bird feeder and (4) birdseed wreath feeder. I hope you’ll try making these with your kids, too!

1. Muffin bird feeders

First up, muffin bird feeders. Muffin bird feeders are an easy and completely eco-friendly recipe to make with the kids. I came across this adaptable recipe in an older book on backyard birding and knew we had to give it a try. This particular way of feeding the birds is perfect if you don’t have a place to hang feeders! These cute mini muffins can be set on window ledges, benches, tucked in crooks of trees, or set on porch railings. We scattered them everywhere around our house and yard. The kids had so much fun seeing where the birds like to eat and if they’d find them all!

The whole process was easy and fun. My children loved helping mix up the ingredients, baking the muffins, and then setting them out all around our yard. The birds loved eating them! It was delightful to find only a few crumbs left after a crowd of birds had pecked away at the muffin. We even put some on our front window ledge and had cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows right in our front window.

Bird feeder muffin ingredients:

The original recipe for the muffins called for the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup peanuts
- ¼ cup chopped bacon
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 small apple
- 1 egg
- 2 T maple syrup or honey
- 3 T butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Bird feeder muffin recipe directions
1. Toss the seeds, nuts, fruit, and bacon into a food processor or chop very finely.
2. Mix together with the flours, then stir in the wet ingredients.
3. Pour the muffins into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Refrigerate or freeze any muffins you don’t distribute right away.
My favorite thing about the recipe for muffin feeders is that they can be made with whatever ingredients you want to use. I tweaked this recipe based on the ingredients we had on hand, and they turned out great! They are packed with yummy and high-protein foods for birds. If you have other whole grain and seed options on hand, they can be added in place of some of the more processed ones here. We just used the options we had.

2. Pinecone bird feeders

Pinecone bird feeders are an oldie, but a goody! I made these simple bird feeders when I was a little girl, and now I love making them with my children. Sometimes you just can’t go wrong with the classics. The birds love them, too! I especially love that this feeder uses nature for its base, and when the pinecone has been picked clean you can simply untie it and let it return to the ground. You can reuse the string, or lay it in the tree branches for the birds to use to build their nests.

Collect the pinecones

I absolutely love that you get to start this bird feeder project with a nature walk to gather pinecones. We had so much fun spending a sunny winter afternoon tromping around and looking for the perfect pinecones. When we had stuffed our pockets full, we carried them home and took advantage of the mild temperatures by making these bird feeders outside at our picnic table. It kept the mess outdoors, and it also helped us keep working on our #1000hoursoutside. (Thanks to Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside, we are becoming increasingly more conscious of choosing time outside for our family.)

Pinecone bird feeder ingredients

To make these feeders, you will need the following:
- Pinecones—whatever size and shape you can find
- String
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 T shortening or butter
- 2-3 cups birdseed
Pro tip: if your pine cones are closed up tight, you can pop them into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until they open up!

Pinecone bird feeder instructions
1. Tie 6-8 inches of string to the tip of each pine cone.
2. Melt your peanut butter and butter together until runny. If it’s too hot for little fingers, allow it to cool slightly.
3. Dip your pinecones in the mixture until they are completely covered.
4. Roll the pinecones thoroughly in birdseed.
5. Hang in nearby trees and bushes.
This whole process is so hands-on and fun for all ages. From our toddler to our tween, everyone really enjoyed this whole activity. And they all had their faces pressed to the windows first thing the next morning, watching the birds enjoying their new pine cone feeders!

3. Log suet bird feeder

This next bird feeder option is still quick and easy, but does require someone who can use a power drill (the kids love this!), so adult supervision is necessary. I suggested this idea to my 11-year-old son and showed him the picture from a book. To my surprise, he completed the feeder in 15 minutes! While I’m not promoting turning little kids loose with power tools, this would be a great project for an older child (teen/tween) that knows how to properly use these items. (My husband is a carpenter by trade and has trained our son to use tools safely for years now.) I was impressed by his accomplishment and he was so proud of himself!

Making a suet feeder

To make the bird feeder, all you need is a log, about 4 inches in diameter and 12-18 inches long. Take a 1.5-inch drill bit and drill holes into the log, about 1.5 inches deep. The number of holes you drill depends on the size of your log. We ended up with five or six in our feeder. My son then nailed a 12-inch length of chain into the top of the log so we could hang the feeder. Like I said, it took him about 15 minutes working with materials we had on hand, and I think it’s the cutest little suet feeder I’ve ever seen! He even added a little perch under one hole for the birds who like to perch instead of clinging to a tree to eat.

Making suet filling

To fill this bird feeder, you can buy suet or make your own. We decided to try making our own, mixing birdseed and rolled oats with fat rendered from a ham we had recently cooked. I tossed the bone and the fat from the ham into my instant pot and cooked it for an hour and a half. After the mixture chilled, I scraped all the fat off the top and that was my suet base. You can also use lard or vegetable shortening. Learn more about making your own suet here).

We pressed this mixture into the holes on the feeder and my son hung it up in the crab apple tree outside our front window. The birds were fluttering around it within an hour! It’s easy to refill and I think we’ll be using this feeder for a long time.

4. Wreath bird feeder

We were having so much fun making all those other easy bird feeders, we had to try this one, too! I gave my eight-year-old daughter this recipe and she made this all on her own! She loves to read recipes and try new projects, so this one was a great one for her to try independently. It was an easy and fun bird feeder for her to make. It does take a day or two to harden, so we had to be patient and leave it alone while it dried! That’s a lesson all of its own!

Birdseed wreath feeder ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 T unflavored gelatin
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3 T corn syrup
- 4 cups bird seed
Birdseed wreath feeder instructions
1. Stir together the hot water and gelatin until dissolved (this takes a bit of time and stirring!).
2. Add the flour and corn syrup and mix together into a sticky paste, then add the birdseed.
3. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix well and then press into a well-greased bundt or tube pan.
4. Allow the feeder to dry for a least 24 hours. After a day, we flipped ours out of the tube pan onto a drying rack to let it finish hardening.
5. Tie a scrap of burlap around it and hang it out for the birds!
A note of caution: this feeder may not hold up well to rain. We hung ours on a bush that hangs under our porch roof a little to protect it from the elements.

Eco-friendly bird feeders for kids

So there you have it – four super easy ec0-friendly bird feeders to make with kids. We hope you’ll try making one (or all four!) of these this winter for your local neighborhood feathered friends. Feeding the birds is such a great way to get kids involved with nature, teach our children how to observe and care for animals, as well as being good for the environment.

How do you like to feed the birds?
Have you made bird feeders with your kids?

Hi, I’m Leslie Alvis! I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, wife to my high school sweetheart, and mom to four rascally kids. They love the outdoors as much as I do, and our yard often feels like the scene from “The Sound of Music” where you hear voices and laughter and can’t find any children until you look up into the trees. I love writing, photography, and all things outdoors, and do pretty much everything with my kids tagging along. We live in Northeast Ohio on the edge of Amish Country, where it’s perfectly normal to park beside a horse and buggy at the grocery store.

We homeschool, which basically means that I’m trying to teach my kids to use their minds without losing my own. While we follow a traditional curriculum, I weave every outdoor adventure I can into our educational journey. I believe that the lessons children experience firsthand sink deepest into their hearts and minds, and there is so much we can learn outside in the beauty and wonder of nature.

You can find Leslie online in the following locations:
Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Client work: @lalvisphotography
RWMC post: Leslie Alvis
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
Winter Solstice Family Traditions & DIY Ornaments
- December 18, 2019
The Winter Solstice is quickly approaching. December 21 marks the first day of winter (here in the Northern Hemisphere), which is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The days ahead will be longer and brighter, which calls for a celebration in my books! Many families adopt traditions for the Winter Solstice that they do every year to get outside and celebrate the change of the seasons. Traditions help us remember the past and are wonderful ways to pass love and memories to the next generation. If you’re looking for some fun festive traditions to start with your family to celebrate the Winter Solstice, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we have Holly Morgan, a Midwest mom of two here, sharing a few fun and simple ways her family celebrates the Winter Solstice, plus a tutorial for making DIY Winter Solstice ornaments.

The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21st (in the Northern Hemisphere) and marks the beginning of the winter season. It is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. After this day, the days begin to lengthen and the nights begin to shorten, which will continue until the Summer Solstice (around June 21st). The arrival of the Winter Solstice has been celebrated since ancient times. Both then and now, people use the sun, stars, and planets to keep track of time and seasons. We also look to nature to mark the change in seasons and understand more about the world around us and how it works. The Winter Solstice and many of the traditions associated with it center around fire, light, and nature.

The rhythm of winter

For our family, the Winter months are a time to slow down and live in rhythm with the darkness of Mother Nature. To rest and root deeply in our intentions. Each year, the winter season officially begins with the Winter Solstice. This is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year. While winter can feel like a time of dormancy for some, we choose to enjoy the opportunity to slow down. We choose to live in rhythm with the quiet stillness of Mother Nature. We intentionally turn inward and delve into our inner light and intentions. And we always make time for nature play!

Winter Solstice traditions for the family

For us, celebrating the Winter Solstice also means welcoming the return of the light. We thank Mother Earth and celebrate the longer days to come. We do this with several family activities and offerings to Mother Nature and our creature friends. Our Solstice traditions include celebrating with a candlelit family dinner on the first day of the winter season. We also set intentions as a family for the coming year and reflect gratitude for the seeds we have planted. We light a fire to honor the returning light and work together to make an edible offering to our animal friends outside.

These are just a few of the many things you can do together as a family with your children to celebrate the Winter Solstice and welcome back the longer days. Every family is different and can celebrate in their own way. Other ideas could be to have a bonfire with friends, make a snow cake decorated with edible items for the animals, go on a winter hike, bake a yule log, watch a sunrise/sunset or make/light candles. Each of these activities (or any of your choosing) are simple ways to thank Mother Earth for the return of the light and celebrate the longer brighter days ahead.

Celebrate the Solstice with an offering

We celebrate the Winter Solstice each year by making treats for our feathered and furred outdoor friends. These easy bird feeders are made with dried orange slices, pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. For the past three years, we have made these Winter Solstice ornaments that we use to decorate our backyard cedars. It is a great child-friendly activity and a fun way to get the whole family outdoors for some fresh air. With just a few simple ingredients (and maybe a few sticky hands) you will have engaged kids and very happy animals in your yard!

DIY Winter Solstice ornaments

Below is a simple tutorial on how you and your little ones can make some Winter Solstice offerings of your own. Even if you don’t celebrate the Solstice, these easy treats are a perfect way to offer some winter reprieve for our furred and feather friends. These are our ornaments from last year, and we made a few more as the winter months passed on. My son was especially interested in trees and pine cones last year, so we gathered all shapes and sizes from our property and had a very healthy pinecone collection! We strung all our ornaments from the trees with simple jute. They became a treat for the birds and squirrels, which we really enjoyed watching over the season.

What you’ll need
- Oranges (or any citrus fruit of your choice)
- Pinecones – we collect these on walks or in the yard
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed mix (or any seed/nut mix of choice)
- Jute or natural fiber to string ornaments
Directions for DIY Winter Solstice ornaments
1. Evenly slice citrus and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake on lowest oven temperature (my oven goes down to 170 degrees Fahrenheit) for five to six hours, turning once to dry. You can also use a dehydrator.
2. Tie jute onto citrus slices and pinecones for hanging outdoors.
3. Roll pinecones in peanut butter and then roll again in birdseed mixture.
4. We let our dry for a day since the peanut butter was very thin; this seemed to help the birdseed adhere.
5. Find a tree or bush and string your Solstice treats for the birds or squirrels to enjoy on the longest night of the year!
Does your family have any Winter Solstice traditions?

About the author

Holly Morgan lives in the Midwest and is a stay at home mom of two. She loves gardening and growing flowers and herbs for cooking and holistic wellness. Her other crafts include photography, kitchen adventuring, and writing. A Wisconsin native, she is raising her littles to be wild and free through nature play. You can follow Holly and her family’s daily rhythm on Instagram at @hollyandhomestead.
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Helping Kids Overcome Fear of Insects, Snakes & Creepy-Crawlies
- September 9, 2019
Slugs, snakes, and spiders…oh my! The fear of insects, snakes, worms, butterflies, bees, spiders and other so-called creepy crawlies* is very common for young children. It’s also pretty common in adults! However, a phobia like this can keep your child from spending time in nature and playing outdoors, both of which are extremely important for children. Today, we’re here with some tried and true tips, tricks and methods to help kids (and parents) overcome fears of insects, snakes, bees, worms and other creepy crawlies.

* Slugs, ladybugs, beetles, roaches, lizards, snakes, leeches, crawdads, worms, centipedes, caterpillars, crabs, butterflies, lightning bugs, bees, spiders, dragonflies, salamanders, mosquitoes, flies, moths, ants, wasps, crickets, frogs, snails, roly-polies, stinkbugs, grasshoppers, cicadas, praying mantis, etc. For the sake of brevity, we’re lumping together all kinds of animals into this giant category. And no, we don’t really think they’re creepy.

@lifewasmeant4adventures

Fear is normal

Fear is a normal part of any child’s development. Kids can develop a fear following an experience, like a scary bug landing on them, or can develop them as a result of their creative imagination. Things like dogs, storms, masks, the dark, or an automatic toilet flusher are all common fears. It makes sense, these things are unpredictable. Research has suggested that somewhere around 90% of young children have a specific fear.

Fear of bugs, insects and creepy crawlies is completely normal. What’s not normal is taking that fear to the extreme. For example, a child refusing to go into their bedroom because there was once a spider in there. Refusing to play soccer because there might be bugs in the grass. Hysterically panicking in the car because a bee, moth or fly is in there (which could cause an accident).

@soulshinephotographer @sara_mccarty

Fear of insects in kids

Fear of insects and other creepy crawlies can be one of the most stubborn fears to deal with. Almost all humans have some degree of aversion to these animals, but when a child has a phobia that leaves them hysterical, panicked or screaming in fear, it can become more than just disruptive. These fears can be dangerous and last through adulthood if not addressed early. If you have a child that’s scared of bugs or insects, it’s best to start helping them deal with that fear as early as possible.

Regardless of whether or not your child has a ‘normal’ fright of bugs and creepy crawlies, or something more extreme, there are things parents can do at home to help their kids work through it.

@thisgirlnamederin
@joanna.milcarz

Understanding the fear

A child’s panicked reaction to bugs stems from two causes: (1) young age and (2) lack of understanding. Adults who suffer from phobias are usually aware that their fear is irrational, but continue to be scared in spite of what they know to be true. Children’s fears, on the other hand, can often be attributed to simple inexperience – they become scared because they don’t have complete or accurate knowledge of the thing that scares them. For a child, overcoming a fear happens as the child matures and gains knowledge over the situation. With patience and knowledge, you can help your child overcome fear of insects, bugs and other creepy-crawlies.

@nataliegildersleeve @jennifer_martin_photo

Acknowledge the fear

Fear of insects and other creepy crawlies is real and normal. A child’s fear should never be ridiculed, taunted or dismissed. Do not talk your child out of the fear or force your child to confront the object of her fears head-on right away. The best way to initially overcome the fear is by acknowledging the fear while remaining calm yourself. Assure your child of your protection and support. When your child sees and feels that you take their concerns seriously, they feel closer to you and are more ready to work through the fears.

Help overcome fear of insects

We’ve put together a comprehensive list of tips, tricks, techniques, and advice for parents to help their child overcome fear of insects, bugs, snakes, reptiles and other creepy-crawlies. We hope the following list is helpful for anyone dealing with a scared child and managing their fear.

@mandiperdue

Keep your reactions in check

Perhaps the most important thing you can do as a parent is model accepting/tolerant behavior of bugs for them. The fear of insects or other creepy crawlies is one that is commonly conditioned by parents and immediately sets them up to continue the cycle. If your child has seen you run screaming from the room with arms flailing at the sight of a spider, it’s natural that they are going to be terrified too.

Parents are the protectors and the ones that teach children what’s dangerous and what’s not. Children catch anxieties from adults like they catch a common cold. Any little bit of anxiety you show may be amplified tenfold by them. So, as hard as it might be for you, try to keep from squirming and panicking to yourself. If your child sees you reacting in a calm, deliberate way, then she/he will be able to copy your behavior when ready. Getting your reactions under control is probably the most important thing you can do to help your child overcome their fear.

@cescapes @cherryblossom_and_carrots

Don’t flee

When a child starts to panic over a bug, offer them comfort where they are. Resist the urge to remove them from the situation (i.e. take them inside) and “out of harm’s way.” Instead, sit beside them and help soothe their distress. Try not to facilitate their urge to flee. By picking them up, you may inadvertently reinforce the idea that there’s a reason to be afraid or that they’re in danger where they are. Help them overcome their fear of insects and bugs in the present location by remaining calm and demonstrating that there’s nothing to be afraid of.

@blessnestlearning

Explain that bugs are helpers

One of the things that can make bugs so scary for kids is that their motives seem difficult to decipher. They buzz, fly or jump around seemingly at random. They fly by a child or land on them suspiciously. Teaching them about the benefits of bugs and the purpose they serve may help diffuse the nervousness. Explain how bees are busy at work trying to collect nectar from flowers to make honey and pollinate flowers. Talk about how ladybugs eat tiny bugs and help plants grow. Teach kids that worms aerate the soil and help make dirt. Explain that these animals aren’t gross, they’re good guys! The more you can help your child see bugs as helpers, the less scary they’ll be to children.

@eunicekimphotography @sara_mccarty

Use humor

Help a child overcome their fear of insects by using humor. When a bug or insect gets too close to your child, turn it from a scary experience into a funny one. Say something like “Silly grasshopper! He hopped into the wrong place!” or “Crazy bee, doesn’t she know you’re not a flower?” or “What’s that frog doing? Maybe he thinks you’re a princess!” Give calm, reassuring statements that make the antics of bugs seem humorous so the child comes to realize the bugs isn’t out to do them harm.

@robbs_rule @tracy_ann_tabor

Talk about size

It may help some children overcome fear of insects by pointing out the age-old wisdom that “bugs are more afraid of you than you are of them.” Ask your child to consider the bug’s perspective for a moment. Imagine how you might feel if you came across a creature that was as tall as a giant! That’s what we are to bugs. Ask your child who is bigger and stronger, him/her or the bug? Putting your very large child in a bug’s shoes may help them realize just how tiny bugs can be.

@briviglianco

Inspire empathy

Similarly to talking about size, inspire empathy for the insect by telling your child how much bugs have to worry about. Bugs are in constant fear of being hurt or stepped on by humans or eaten by other insects, small rodents, and birds. Bees will die after having stung someone, so they have no desire to sting you.

@alirae29
@sara_mccarty

Empower them with info

Help your child overcome fear of insects, reptiles and other creepy crawlies by arming kids with lots of information on bugs. Developing a better understanding of insects, spiders, and other bugs goes a long way toward helping make them less scary. Talk about why bees might sting or why a snake might bite. Discuss how they can lower the odds of being stung or bitten: standing still when a bee buzzes around or lands on them, not prodding or messing with a snake, avoiding areas where these particular bugs or animals congregate. Such knowledge helps a child feel empowered, and the more control they feel, the less afraid they’ll be.

Books like the Children’s Guide to Insects and Spiders, 1001 Bugs to Spot and The Big Book of Bugs allow kids to learn all about bugs in the comfort of their own home before encountering them again outside.

@halfpinthikes @sara_mccarty

Find a favorite

Talk to your child and see if there are any bugs or insects that your child likes or is interested in? Butterflies, lightning bugs, caterpillars, dragonflies, daddy long legs and ladybugs are a few relatively well-loved (and relatively not-scary) insects to start with. Find out what these are and learn more about them together with your child. Search for them together and study them. Show them how harmless they are and then use this knowledge to talk about similarities with other insects.

@noemimounier

Counteract the negative

Some creepy crawlies (like spiders, snakes, and leeches) get a bad reputation from humans. They are seen as evil, scary, sinister and out to get us. Throughout books, fairytales, and movies they are depicted as the bad guys and are frequent stars in horror scenes. Try to balance this negative perspective with more positive information and examples. Find a book or show where the insect is the hero (e.g. Charlotte’s Web, The Very Hungry Caterpillar). Teach your child all the cool facts about what that particular type of bug does (maybe it eats pesky mosquitos or is a vegetarian).

@emilyflodstromphotography @sara_mccarty

Address misconceptions

Sometimes a child’s fear is based on misconceptions they’ve heard or untrue ideas they’ve gotten into their head. Children can pick up a lot of bad information about bugs and other creepy crawlies, either through television, stories or other kids at school. If your child is verbal enough to talk to you about their fears, ask your kid what they know about the particular bug and what specifically scares them. Ask if there any experiences your child had with a particular bug she/he can tell you about?

Counteract some common myths with fact. For example, spiders do not crawl in your mouth while you’re sleeping. Mosquitos will not suck out ALL your blood. Most snakes aren’t venomous. Bee stings (other for those who are allergic to bees) may cause itching or irritation, but seldom significant pain. Snails don’t have teeth. Frogs won’t give you warts.

@bubblepicture @yana_kiesau

Manage pain expectations

Some fear of insects and other creepy crawlies stems from a child’s fear of pain. Kids tend to obsess over certain pains disproportionately (shots, bee stings, etc.). Oftentimes kids will end up psyching themselves out, exaggerating how bad the pain will be. You may help dispel some of the fear by helping a child put the pain into perspective. Yes, getting stung by a bee might hurt for a minute, but so does falling down and scraping your knee. Yet, this doesn’t keep you from walking, running, or riding your bike. A mosquito bite may itch, but so does wearing that scratchy princess dress.

@we_are_the_mcauleys

@borngirlxo

Watch and learn

Watching an insect and seeing what it does is a great way to expose your child to it without it being an overwhelming experience. Find a flower garden or tree and observe the insects that come and go. Find an anthill and watch the ants march in a line. Try going to the insect house at a local nature center or zoo and watch them do their job. Encourage your child to observe the bugs in their habitats and ask the staff questions. They might also see other children who are excited by bugs. Seeing others act calmly around the insects may further reduce their stress and help them overcome fear of insects.

@theramseyeve @sara_mccarty

Nurture

When children care for something, they develop empathy towards it, which can go a long way towards relieving anxiety about ALL bugs and creepy-crawlies. A good way to help kids overcome fear of insects is to have them take care of a bug and observe it. Roly-polies, beetles, crickets, and ladybugs are good candidates for observation. Although snails aren’t insects, they’ll cohabit peacefully with these bugs and are also fun to observe. Or start a wormery with your kids where they can take care of them and help them grow. Have your child make a home for the insect based on the type of habitat they live in (this may require a little bit of research). Have your child feed and care for them.

If your child is literate, encourage them to keep a journal of any interesting things the bug do. If they’re preliterate, discuss these things with them at an opportune time: What do they like to eat? Where do they spend most of their time? And so on. The nice thing about this project is that it’s easily disposable once it serves its purpose and the kids grow tired of it. Just take the habitat outside and conduct a ceremony to set the bugs free.

@fatandhappyphotography @smfrazer

Model appropriate reactions

In addition to not panicking when you see a spider or other “scary” insect, make sure you are modeling the calm and empathic behavior you want to see if your child. The actions of others speak incredibly loudly for any child trying to overcome fear of insects.

For example, say you spot a spider in your kitchen. Show your child how to calmly place a small clear jar on top of it, and then slide a stiff piece of paper under the jar. The spider sits on top of the paper. Now you can safely slide your hand under the paper and lift the jar. Carry it out of the room and release the spider outdoors. Handling its removal this way allows your child to see that you are not afraid, it’s not bad (and doesn’t need to be killed) and that you have compassion for it and want it to be in the “right” place.

@court_boucher via @solace_farm_homestead

Immersion therapy

Once your child is over their initial fear of the particular type of bug or creepy-crawly, ask them if they’d like to touch or hold one. Do not force the child to confront their fears in this way from the beginning or you may traumatize them. However, once they know more about the insect, understand that the bug can’t/won’t hurt them and have dispelled some of the common misconceptions, they might be curious enough about it to want to see it up close.

There is nothing like a hands-on experience to help a child make a connection when learning. The same can be true for making the connection between a bug and it’s harmlessness. Model the behavior first by letting your child see you hold the animal and how to be calm and gentle. Offer it to them, but if they’re unwilling or not ready, don’t press it. Give it some time and ask again in a few weeks/months.

@arthasmyheart

Be patient

Overcoming a fear is not going to happen instantly or overnight. This is something that you’ll need to work on together over time. Let your child set the pace. They are likely inundated with cues and misinformation from media and other kids that bugs are “gross” and “scary.” But with knowledge and patience and constructive bug interactions, your child’s fears should ease over time.

@sara_mccarty

For children who are allergic

If your child is allergic to bees, wasps or other insects, then their fear isn’t entirely irrational. They should have a certain degree of anxiety around these insects, but they also need to be able to manage the situation safely without panicking. Often excessive fears arise because of a traumatic memory. Maybe it’s from the first time they were stung or a parent or sibling’s reaction to a bee.

In order to decrease your child’s panic, talk through the situation and assure them they will be fine. Remind them that their epi-pen is close and will help them breathe should they get stung. Talk about how you’ll both manage the situation. You might also consider telling them that sometimes people outgrow allergies, so it’s possible they won’t have any reaction at all if they get stung. Talking about these things is often enough to turn down the fear dial to a level they can manage.

@alex_catches_things

When to get help

The takeaway here is that regardless of what your child is afraid of, fear is completely normal for children and parents can play a large role in helping their kids work through it. But sometimes it is appropriate to seek additional help. A rule of thumb for any fear is that if it’s upsetting the entire family or getting in the way of family functioning, then it’s probably time to get help. The best place to start is with your family’s pediatrician, but he or she may recommend a referral to a child psychologist.

@ambertalbertphotography @farmhouse_schoolhouse

Do you have a child that scared of creepy crawlies?
How are you handling it?

Special thanks to all the talented members of our amazing Instagram community who let us feature their incredible photos in this post. We are so unbelievably lucky to have such a wonderful online community of parents, kids, photographers and creepy crawlies!
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
How to Plant a Butterfly Garden with Your Child
- August 19, 2019
The joy of digging in the dirt, growing flowers, and watching butterflies alight on fragrant blooms make growing a butterfly garden a magical summertime activity for kids of all ages. Today, we have the amazing outdoor adventure mom Josée, from The Backwoods Mama, here teach us all about why butterflies matter, what flower they’re attracted to and how to help butterflies thrive by planting a butterfly garden with your child. Planting a butterfly garden is a wonderful project for children of all ages. And you don’t have to have a lot of space; you can grow a butterfly garden nearly anywhere!

The butterfly is a flying flower, The flower a tethered butterfly.” – Ponce Denis Écouchard Lebrun

A budding interest in flowers and butterflies

“Maman, look! It’s a butterfly!” my daughter exclaimed with delight.

A beautiful tiger swallowtail alighted on a flower in our garden. We quietly watched as the butterfly sipped nectar and then fluttered away on the warm summer breeze.

Flowers and butterflies have been the topic of many conversations in our home lately. It all started when my children received a special parcel with fifteen tiny little painted lady caterpillars. As those little caterpillars, grew so did our collection of library books on butterflies and flowers. Soon, we were making lists of flowers that butterflies like and making trips to our local garden centre. We had decided to plant a butterfly garden for our soon to hatch painted ladies.

Why do butterflies matter?

Butterflies are some of the most beautiful insects on our planet. Their delicate wings dance like flowers in the wind. However, butterflies are much more than pretty bugs; they are very important for healthy habitats.

Butterflies are crucial pollinators. Some plants, like milkweed, depend on butterflies to help them reproduce. Butterflies are also an important food source for birds, amphibians, reptiles and other creatures. Butterflies are even considered an “indicator” species because they are very sensitive to changes in habitat.

Sadly, the fragile butterfly is under threat because of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. Don’t despair! That’s where you and your child can help. Growing a butterfly garden helps butterflies by giving them food to eat and a safe place to rear their young.

Attractor flowers for butterflies

Did you know that butterflies can see the color red? It’s true! That’s why many butterflies prefer flowers that are bright red, orange and yellow. Butterflies also taste with their feet – yum!

Another interesting fact about butterflies is that they are picky eaters. Each species of butterfly has its own favorite flowers. However, despite their picky palate, there are many flowers that butterflies love. I have compiled a list below of twenty-five flowers that are sure to attract butterflies to your garden.

These butterfly attractor flowers listed below come in all shapes and sizes. Some will come back every year (perennials) and others will not (annuals). Remember, flowers behave in different ways. Some get really tall or very wide. Other like to spread everywhere. Mint and goldenrod send out runner roots and can very quickly take over an area. Plant these in containers or in areas that you don’t mind be taken over.

Also, some native flowers can be difficult to find. Milkweed is a native plant and can be difficult to find. Check local nurseries specializing in native plants. In our butterfly garden, we have a mix of sunflowers, zinnias, dianthus, cosmos, echinacea, marigold, veronica and yarrow. It’s beautiful chaos and butterflies love it.

25 flowers that attract butterflies
- Allium
- Aster
- Butterfly Bush
- Chrysanthemum
- Cosmo
- Daisy
- Dianthus
- Echinacea
- Goldenrod
- Joe pye weed
- Lantana
- Liatris
- Lupin
- Marigold
- Milkweed
- Mint
- Monarda
- Black Eyed Susan
- Nasturtium
- Snapdragon
- Sunflower
- Verbena
- Veronica
- Yarrow
- Zinnia
How to plant a butterfly garden

Planting a butterfly garden with your child is a wonderful way to connect with nature and help butterflies thrive. You don’t need a huge backyard or a large space to make a butterfly garden. If you don’t have a lot of room, don’t worry! A butterfly garden can come in all shapes and sizes. You can plant a butterfly garden in a pot on your balcony, in a hanging basket or in several containers along the sunny side of your home.

1. Choose a sunny spot

The location of your garden is more important than its size. Butterflies and flowers are sun-powered, so it’s important to plant your butterfly garden in a nice sunny spot. Make sure you also have access to water, whether that’s from rain, a sprinkler or a hose.

2. Gather your supplies

Once you’ve picked your sunny spot, make a list of supplies. You will need the following items:
- soil
- something (or somewhere) to plant your flowers in (container, pot or hanging basket)
- seeds or flowers to plant
- water
3. Select your flowers

My suggestion is to make a list of flowers that bring you and your child joy (from the list above) and take it to your local garden center, greenhouse or plant nursery. Find someone there that is happy to talk plants and offer you ideas for what kind of plants will work best for your space and climate.

Some things to think about when purchasing flowers are:
- Where are you going to plant your flowers?
- How much space do you have?
- Will the flowers come back every year (perennials) or not (annuals)?
- How much space will your flowers need?
- Will the flowers grow well in your climate?
- How big will your flowers get?
- How much water will the flowers need?
- Is it easier to grow this flower from seed or as a seedling?
4. Plant your flowers

Once you’ve selected your flowers, it’s time to get dirty! If you are planting your flowers from seed, it’s best to get them into the ground early in the season. For flower seedlings, plant them into your pot or into the ground as soon as possible. I find that it’s quite easy to forget about flower seedlings and have them accidentally dry up and die before being planted – oops!

Encourage your child to get their hands dirty and help with planting the flowers. Dirt is good for kids! And don’t forget to give your newly planted seeds and seedlings water so that they can grow.

5. Watch for butterflies

Once your flowers are planted, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your need butterfly garden. Set up a chair, blanket or reading nook near your flower garden and keep an eye out for some colorful butterfly friends with your child. Take out books from your local library about butterflies and enjoy some read-aloud time together. Maybe you will even want to rear your own butterflies!

Rearing your own butterflies

Butterflies have an amazing life-cycle called complete metamorphosis. This process has four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa) and butterfly (adult). It can be very difficult to see all four stages in nature which is why rearing butterflies in your home can be such a great learning opportunity.

These days it’s easy to find butterfly rearing kits from online education stores. One popular butterfly to rear is the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly. My kids reared their first butterflies this season and they just loved it.

What butterflies live in your area?
What types of flowers do they like to visit?

About the author

Hello! Bonjour! I’m Josée. I am a nature lover, blogger, photographer and homeschooler. I live in the sunny Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada with my husband and my three children. We are avid rock climbers, hikers, campers, skiers and adventure seekers. We love exploring new places, both near and far, and enjoy getting outside whatever the weather. I believe in the beauty of raising wild children!

You can find more about Josée and her adventures at http://www.backwoodsmama.com and on Instagram at @thebackwoodsmama.
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Nature Study: Exploring Ponds with Kids
- July 15, 2019
Summer is a perfect time to get kids outdoors to explore and experience new things! And what better place to enjoy on hot days than someplace with water? Today, the incredible Leslie Alvis (Ohio homeschooling mom of 4) gives us a unique look at a common place your children can explore this summer: the ever-delightful and intriguing pond. Exploring ponds with kids is not only fascinating and fun, but it’s also educational! There’s so much to see, feel, observe and learn about around a pond. Technology and screen time cannot replace the hands-on lessons children learn just playing outside in the amazing classroom of nature. So grab a bucket and a butterfly net, and let’s head to the pond together.

A field of water betrays the spirit that is in the air. It is continually receiving new life and motion from above. It is intermediate in its nature between land and sky.”
Henry David Thoreau

Why head to a pond?

Ponds are a fascinating place, an ecosystem in their own right. They sustain entire life cycles of plants and animals in their own self-contained space. In the summer they hum with life, providing a vibrant atmosphere to explore. From the birds and insects filling the air with song to the fish flashing by in the water and the bullfrogs calling just out of reach, they are a child’s paradise of discoveries.

Exploring ponds with kids is also timelessly interesting, entertaining, and relaxing. Most children can find an endless number of interesting occupations at a pond. I can never believe how long my kids will spend just tossing rocks or sticks into the water. And I’m amazed at how beneficial that simple activity is: building strength and developing motor skills, making them aware of cause and effect, and introducing them to basic physics (gravity and displacement, for instance). Today, we will look at just a few ways you can experience a pond with your children, weaving education and development together with delightful play.

A note on pond safety

Before we get started, I’d like to mention some safety guidelines. Any time water is involved, we have to be extra conscious of our children’s safety. Water is such a fun thing that few children understand its danger. And unlike swimming beaches, ponds often have slippery mud or grassy banks that can drop abruptly into deep water. Teaching children to swim is the number-one prevention to drowning accidents, but even that isn’t a guarantee of safety. Never leave children unattended near any water, especially a deep body of water like a pond.

Be safe together!

If you are comfortable allowing your children to wade in the water, make sure you have carefully checked out the wading area yourself for dangers like slippery mud and sharp drop-offs. And even if you have instructed your children to stay out of the pond, we should be aware that accidents happen and a child can slip and fall into the water in an instant. Stay close and focused on your children, adventuring and playing together. Exploring ponds with kids should be fun and safe.

Teaching nature skills

To start off exploring a pond with kids, simply walk around the pond. Talk before you start about how everyone needs to use their “nature skills” to explore the pond area. These skills include walking quietly, speaking quietly, and trying not to disturb the wildlife around you. We always have to work on sharing our discoveries quietly—the first child to yell they saw a goose will probably scare off the whole flock! This is also a good time to teach children how to study nature without disturbing it, to observe but not take, and to show respect for the natural environment surrounding them by being careful where they step and what they touch.

Sensory exploration

Exploring a pond with kids provides a great sensory experience. It’s easy to get started by asking questions involving the senses. What do you see? It’s like an amazing game of “I Spy.” Do you see those wildflowers on the far bank? Can you spot that turtle out sunning on a log? How many frogs can you count? Oh, no, one just ducked underwater!

Hearing and Smelling

Observing the natural atmosphere of the pond moves quickly to hearing. Do you hear the birds singing? The bullfrogs calling? The wind whispering through the tall grass? The buzzing of the insects? And then there is always smelling—and if the pond you are visiting has the smell of stagnant water, your children are sure to notice it! But you can also smell wildflowers and a fresh breeze. Honeysuckle and freshly cut grass. I love how much my children will get into talking about all the details they notice.

Unforgettable sensory experiences

When exploring ponds with kids, there are countless ways to experience the natural world. How many things can you find to touch? From the smooth leaves and raspy blossom of the cattails, to the silky water and slippery plants in the pond, to the slimy skin of a frog and the soft whisper of a dropped bird feather, there are a multitude of things to feel around a pond. (Of course, unless you have the owner’s permission to pick things, make sure you give careful instruction about not picking any plants or disturbing the environment. Leave it unspoiled for everyone to enjoy!) Touching pond creatures might stretch the sensory comfort zones of some kids, but if you have the opportunity to let your children touch a frog or a fish, it will be a sensory experience they won’t forget!

Hands-on adventures

Getting wet and dirty is part of learning about the pond environment, too. If my children are within reaching-distance of water—any water—they are sure to get wet! It doesn’t matter the temperature or what they’re wearing. If we are going near water, I just plan on them getting soaked. So, if the pond you are visiting is wading accessible, wear some water-appropriate clothes and footwear. Bring some buckets, a net, a magnifying glass, and explore a pond with kids up close!

Exploring a pond with kids is a hands-on activity. If you have an adventuresome child with quick reflexes, they might be able to catch a bullfrog or net a minnow to examine. These are good opportunities not only to study creatures up close, but also to teach our children how to handle them and to release them safely back into their natural environment. The minnows can’t breathe air, so we have to observe them in the water. The frog is slippery and likes to jump, so we have to hold it securely but without squeezing it.

Tadpole science project

In early summer, tadpoles are one of the easiest and most fun things to catch and study. Find a shallow still area at the edge of a pond in early summer, and you will probably see dozens of tiny black blobs wiggling around in the water. These are tadpoles—baby frogs who will develop before your eyes! If you have permission from the pond’s owner, scoop some up in a bucket and you will have a hands-on science project. Bring them home, feed them, and watch them grow! Before long, it will seem unbelievable that these miniature frogs grew from those funny wiggly creatures you caught in the pond. For more information, we’ve got a great post on raising tadpoles with kids.

More hands-on activities

When exploring ponds with kids, study the pond water itself. This is particularly fun if you have access to a microscope. The multitude of tiny organisms living in pond water is amazing. Even if you don’t have a microscope, you can get a pail full of pond water and see if you can spot little plants and water creatures in it with a magnifying glass. You may be surprised just how much you can find!

Exploring ponds with kids isn’t limited to the water. A butterfly net can help you capture amazing creatures such as dragonflies, butterflies, and other flying insects, as well as water insects. Chasing a flying insect is a great hand-eye coordination activity—plus, it’s just fun! And when my children do manage to catch a butterfly or damselfly, they love to examine their vibrant colors and fragile wings. Every creature is so unique and beautiful.

Keeping a pond notebook

If you want to make this a more formal learning experience, bring a notebook or nature journal for each child. Help them keep track of the different living things they see and hear. I love keeping nature notebooks where children can draw pictures of things they have observed and what they have learned about them. Having a pond notebook is a great way for them to process what they are discovering with a quick sketch and a short description. This appeals to some kids more than others, but sitting beside the pond and drawing pictures of what we see is such a lovely way to spend a summer day…or a least a few minutes of one.

Resources

We have found that nature guides and handbooks are valuable resources for learning about pond life. Teaching kids to look up different plants and wildlife that they see helps them learn on a deeper level. Once they have looked up a bird or a flower in their guide book, they are much less likely to forget its name or characteristics! Plus, we can learn together all the things I don’t know (which are many!). We use some of the classic field guides, like Kauffman Field Guide to Birds of North America.

There are also some great resources available for less than $10, like these illustrated nature guides. The entire Take-Along Guides series is geared toward helping children learn about nature in an easy-to-find, graspable format. I can’t recommend them enough if you are serious about helping your children learn about wildlife and plants for themselves.
What do your kids like to do at a pond?

Leslie
@c_l_allofus

Hi, I’m Leslie Alvis! I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, wife to my high school sweetheart and best friend, and a mom to four rascally kids. They love the great outdoors as much as I do, and our yard often feels like the scene from “The Sound of Music” where you hear voices and laughter and can’t find any children until you look up into the trees. I love writing, photography, and all things outdoors, and do pretty much everything with my kids tagging along. If we can’t do it as a family, it’s likely it won’t happen. We live in Northeast Ohio on the edge of Amish Country, where it’s perfectly normal to park beside a horse and buggy at the grocery store. We also homeschool, which basically means that I’m trying to teach my kids to use their minds without losing my own. (Every once in a while I think I might be succeeding.) While we follow a traditional curriculum, I weave every outdoor adventure I can into our educational journey. I believe that the lessons children experience firsthand sink deepest into their hearts and minds, and there is so much we can learn outside in the beauty and wonder of nature.

If you want more from Leslie, read all her Run Wild My Child posts here.
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
20 Benefits of Raising Kids Around Animals
- May 13, 2019
Animals are a part of many children’s lives and that’s a good thing because there are some truly amazing benefits of raising kids around animals. Animals large and small love, teach, delight, and offer a special kind of companionship for children and adults. Whether your companion animal is a dog, cat, fish, turtle, chicken, horse, hamster, lizard or pig, there are so many wonderful effects on kids that grow up having animals around.

Benefits of pets and animals

Most kids naturally love animals. A child who learns to care for an animal, and treat it kindly and patiently, may get invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way. Aside from building great memories, having a pet in the house or growing up around animals actually serves some pretty incredible purposes when it comes to the emotional development and even physical health of kids.

Here are some of the many benefits of animals and advantages for children when raised around animals.

@thejessaddress

1. Kids with animals as pets have fewer allergies and asthma

Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma. Studies have shown that children who were exposed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less than half as likely to develop common allergies as kids who had no pets in the home. Children who had animals had fewer positive skin tests to indoor allergens—like pet and dust-mite allergens—and also to outdoor allergens such as ragweed and grass. Other studies have suggested that early exposure to pets may decrease a child’s risk of developing asthma.

@monettephotography

2. Kids with pets spend more time outside

Talking your dog for a walk, feeding the cattle on the farm or going on a hike with your adventure cat are great incentives to get your kids outside and active. We all know the importance of getting your kids outside and how beneficial physical activity is for kids. Kids with pets tend to head outside more – to go for walks, run and play – and they enjoy all the associated health benefits of an active outdoorsy life.

Kids that have dogs particularly, go out with balls and sticks at the ready and end up running around for at least a few extra minutes each day. One study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that children with dogs spend an average of 325 minutes doing physical activity per day, 11 more than those without dogs. This included time spent in light, moderate, moderate to vigorous, and vigorous activity.

@i.am.jess.louise

@lonejphotography

3. Animals provide lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement

Personally, I think this is one of the most underestimated benefits of animals. Pets and animals teach children so many incredible lessons about the stages of life and all the intricacies and emotions that go along with them. From chickens that lay eggs to cats that have kittens, through putting down the family dog, companion animals have shorter lives than most humans, which allows children opportunities to observe and experience a wide range of phases, stages and natural processes. The lifespan of an animal provides so many lessons for kids to learn about life – the beauty, the harshness and the joy.

@thewanderingfamily

@bmayhew.photography

4. Animals provide responsibility and foster leadership in kids

If your child is old enough to walk and communicate, they are old enough to start contributing to the care of animals. You may start with a single task for a family pet, such as feeding them or cleaning/refilling the water bowl. Pretty soon your kid will be able to take care of everything from training to grooming. Having an animal that relies on your child and does what they say gives children an inherent understanding of responsibility and the challenges of leadership.

@colafamadventures

5. Animals teach kids about patience and self-control

Animals are not always what we want them to be. Sometimes they are over-excited, jump/bark too much, slobber, claw, bite/peck, or destroy your personal belongings. Learning to handle these things teaches a child patience, tolerance, and understanding. Learning to be patient with an animal, even when it is frustrating, also teaches children self-control. Children will learn how a soft but firm voice and careful, considerate actions have a better effect than yelling, hitting, or throwing a tantrum ever could.

@selenesaldivar

@soulshinephotographer

6. Animals are excellent listeners and safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts

Animals are great listeners! Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet than to anyone else. There’s never any judgment or critique. Animals are also excellent at keeping secrets and loving a child regardless of nearly anything they’ve been told. Children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed animals or dolls, telling them secrets or things about their day, friendships, or relationships. Animals never interrupt or insist on talking about themselves.

@lminor17

7. Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings

Animals can help families and siblings grow stronger and closer together. A pet is often the focus of activities that families do together or things they talk about. Everyone takes the dog for a walk, and siblings share in grooming and feeding responsibilities. Siblings learn to play together with animals and stay happy. Siblings with pets have something that can distract them from constant fighting and arguments, which children engage in often. Animals also create cherished memories for families that last a lifetime. Siblings will always remember that time they dressed the cat up like Batman or when the dog got sprayed by a skunk when camping.

@evelynleigh_photo

8. Animals teach kids about the act of sharing

One of the ways by which kids bond with their pets is by sharing things with them. Kids share food, drink, thoughts, time, and ideas with their pets. They look forward to those special moments of giving things to their pets, such as treats, gifts, and toys. And the plus side is that the animals never have to ask for it. Children learn to share and give out of kindness instead of being expected, asked or forced.

@andreamartinphoto

9. Animals provide unexpected biology lessons

Children who spend time around animals before they go to school are more likely to understand basic biology and how that translates between animal species. Activities like counting whiskers on their cat, laying on their dog listening to its heartbeat and tummy gurgles, or studying the way a snake digests food passively familiarizes children with the inner workings of another form of life, giving them a surprising bonus in later science classes.

@catsivula

10. Nurturing animals is an acceptable way for kids to practice being caregivers

Nurturing others is a skill that’s developed and needs to be practiced. Today, there’s little opportunity for kids to nurture and provide for other living things, aside from pets. In many other countries, young siblings look after one another, but in the U.S., that’s not culturally acceptable (or even legal).

Taking care of animals is a great way for children to practice nurturing and caregiver skills. This seems to be particularly important for young boys, who also need to learn how to be caregivers. Caring and nurturing an animal tends to be perceived by kids and peers as more acceptable than nurturing younger siblings, stuffed animals, or dolls.

@rootandweavestudios

@indiraklotzer

11. Animals give kids a partner in crime to share special life moments with

Having a pet can be like having a built-in best friend and partner in crime. Budding fashion designers will always have a muse and a model. Family pets are almost always down for movie nights and spending time in blanket forts. Pets don’t question a pressing need to splash in some sweet mud puddles mid-walk. And you think your kid is excited to jump in leaves? With a family pet, they’ll never have to dive alone!

@whitelotusmaui

12. Children with a companion animal in the home have higher self-esteem

To kids, animals are just like humans. Young children try to relate to animals as they would with their age mates. They talk to animals, play with them, cuddle them, and even get angry with them. All these healthy displays of their innermost feelings and emotions come without the fear of being judged by their animals and play a significant role in boosting their self-confidence.

@stephanieruff.imagesandart

13. Animals teach empathy and compassion

Animals (dogs in particular) are very emotional creatures. So are children. In fact, dogs are like children in many ways, from their unerring desire for snacks to their boundless energy to chase toys. Bonding with animals helps children to understand other humans later on because they have a happy base of emotions that they’ve formed with animals.

Children with a close relationship with their dogs are more likely to understand favoritism and concepts like “friends even when you’re mad at each other.” Caring for an animal also teaches your child to read your pet’s needs: is he hungry? Does he need to go outside? Maybe the pet is scared of the storm and needs to be comforted. Moreover, empathy is the one skill that can be taught and a skill that bullies often lack.

@breowens02

@nurgib

14. Animals teach unconditional love

Aren’t animals just the best? They are non-judgmental and love regardless of popularity, GPA, athletic ability, or style. Animals love their people despite bouts of rudeness, snappiness, or tempermentalness. They forgive and forget over and over and over again. They neither judge nor criticize, but love unconditionally.

And not only do animals respond with nonverbal cues, such as sound, nuzzling, and picking up their ears, but animals are also honest, and will not let your child get away with anything. Animals literally teach children the meaning of unconditional and unabashed love in a way that no person or parent can.

@reneevanderwal1

15. Animals reduce loneliness

Kids need friends, and animals can be such great companions for children of all ages. They play together, share meal times and even snuggle up for bedtime together. In addition to that, children talk to animals in a way that they don’t (or can’t) talk to other people. Children also have the imagination that they are talked back to by their pet. This makes kids that grow up around animals feel less lonely. Since they know that they have a constant friend that would never get bored of playing with them. Such a kid would rarely feel lonely.

@thesweetmyerslife

@christinacunninghamphotography

16. Animals may prevent kids from becoming bullies

Some children become bullies if they don’t have a safe place to share their truest emotions. They may project those emotions onto other children that seem weaker or inferior. Because an animal will love your child no matter what he says, that animal gives your child a confidante — a safe place in which to verbally pour out his fears and his anger. Animals give kids a safe-haven of unconditional love to work out their emotions and insecurities.

@marissawaite

17. Reading to animals improves children’s reading skills

Animals make great reading buddies at home and at school. Some schools have reading programs that encourage families to bring in their dog during reading time so that the children can practice reading to a dog buddy. This can be a fun experience for kids, especially if they get nervous reading in front of other kids and adults that may constantly correct or criticize them. Kids can read to animals at home without feeling embarrassed about mistakes or ashamed of their reading skills. And when they are consistent with it, they get better at reading.

@ourlittleadventures.photo

18. Animals are therapeutic and curb anxiety

Animals have been found to be incredibly therapeutic for children. Studies have shown how pets can help lower blood pressure, speed up recovery time, and reduce stress and anxiety. This has been seen with troubled children, Autistic children, and with children who experience PTSD. When the children are with animals, they can immediately relate to them because they sense the animals are unconditional in their love and affection and can open up in ways that they don’t (or can’t) with people.

@augustandiris

19. Animals may make the whole family feel safer

Animals, especially dogs, can be an effective home security system. Studies show that barking dogs deter burglars just as much as alarms. Cats and birds have also been known to sound the alarm when trouble’s around. Just knowing that you have an animal that can use its keen sense of hearing to detect anyone prowling around can help increase your entire family’s sense of security, which is good for both your mental and physical health.

@heather_mk

@dayslikethisphotos

20. Animals make kids even cuter!

Ok, this might not be actually true, or it may be a benefit for the parents more than it is for the child, but regardless, you can’t ignore just how cute little kids and animals are together! Having kids and animals as friends around the house will be a constant source of smiles, laughter, and stories that will brighten up your lives for years!

@iowawildflowers

What kinds are animals are your kids growing up around?

What do you think is the biggest benefit of growing up around animals?

*Special thanks to the photographers listed (all members of our amazing Instagram community) for all these absolutely spectacular images!