This is part one of a three-part series on risky play. Part three will explore how parents can support appropriate risk-taking in public play spaces. Part two will take a look into the long-term benefits of learning to tolerate and embrace risk.
I'm one of those unorthodox moms. I let my kids eat bean burritos and leftover pizza for breakfast if they want to. I make them drink water. I ask peo...
It’s that time of year again when we start seeking out winter footwear for our kiddos. While many of us dread this task (why must their feet grow so much every year?!), it doesn’t have to be daunting if you come prepared! Here is a list of features to consider when buying winter boots for your kiddos this year. Keep in mind that some of these will be more important than others depen...
What is the Winter Solstice?
It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in many places across the United States. The temperatures are dropping and the landscape has transformed into dull greens and browns as the deciduous trees are now mostly bare. Probably most noticeable of all are the short days and long nights. We are approaching the winter solstice (also known as Yule for some cultu...
The United States has some incredible protected lands open for exploration. Aside from the 63 National Parks to choose from, there are 360 other national park sites across all 50 states and US territories. That’s a whopping 423 sites (and counting) to learn about ecosystems, wildlife, history, geography, and so much more across our nation! Add in the breathtaking views and fun events and ...
Sometimes the weather just isn’t cooperating, sometimes your allergies are acting up, and sometimes you just can’t (or don’t want to) go outside. Not to worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 easy ways you can bring the magic of the outdoors inside with nature-inspired activities for kids.
Nature Sensory Bin
What better way to explore nature indoors than with ...
It’s that time of year. The air is cooler, the leaves are changing colors and brightening up the trees and the world around, and everywhere you look pumpkins, skeletons, apples, spiderwebs, and more adorn homes and shops. It’s autumn and Halloween is coming. Cue, the Spooky Autumn Scavenger Hunt. Getting outside and exploring nature with your kids doesn’t always mean hiking a ...
Ed note: This might be a topic that's pretty far fetched for most of us Mama Hikers, but if you are in a place like Anchorage, this is something you have to think about even when on trails around town! So we figured we might as well post it. It will also help those of you heading out to national parks this summer where there might be bears or moose or other large animals
Okay, so we've heard ...
Like most new parents, my life and that of my husband's, were forever changed last Fall with the arrival of our baby daughter, Autumn Eugenia Goffin. In spite of our permanently altered reality, we vowed we wouldn’t let parenthood stop us from venturing into the great outdoors and doing all the things we loved to do together. Being together in nature was part of what connected us as a couple. W...
I had postpartum depression. I beat postpartum depression. I want to help you do the same.
Postpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It can happen soon after delivery or even a year later. However, it generally occurs within the first three months. There are two types of postpartum depression (PPD). The early onset type is known as baby blues....
Often when we head out for our adventures we focus on our own experience and don't think about what our little one is seeing right? Well chances are they are snuggled down in their carrier sleeping and not seeing much since so many trails lull baby to sleep, but if your baby is alert, put that phone/camera away and try to look at the trail through your little person's eyes. What is he or she do...
