Adventuring for Little Souls

A little Adventure Never Hurt Anyone.

I grew up with parents who filled my inquisitive mind with exploration and adventure. I think part of this was because they were kids themselves. I grew up wanting to instill the same playful energy into my children's hearts. I wanted never to slow down in our adventuring because of children.

I remember waking up to whispering in my ear, "Secret Mission Day". I will never forget how my parents would let us take off the day of school and go for adventures. I know, to the core of my being, that nature is needed for our mental and physical well-being. There is little peace within me without fresh air & appreciation for the beauty my creator gave to me.

Since my children were very small, we adventured. Adventures do not have to be planned at all. They do not need to be trips or excursions, but simply adventure is whatever you make it. For the #yonkfam sometimes an adventure is a break to head out to West Lake and feel fresh air in our lungs, or as simple as exploring Moore's Meadow or Ginter's Park. You do not have to go far to feel lost for a little while.

Our children & Bo + I, are growing up in a world so focused on whatever quick satisfaction WIFI can bring us. Our energy is bombarded with signals and messages that disrupt our basic, human needs and individualized expression.

Who are you without the phone?

Who are you besides someone's perception on social media?

Studies show that 45 min of fresh air + heavy breathing per day is the same as a dose of antidepressants. THE. SAME.

For the Introverted Child:

How do I get my introverted child out more into nature?

Our oldest child is 3.5 years old and really into screens.

Recently we noticed a lot more introverted behaviors as we allowed more screen time. We were busy, right? We found it helpful, but learned very quick that it was the opposite needed for her mental wellbeing.

I was appalled when trying to remediate certain behaviors, to find out that the tablet lights up the same areas of a child's brain as illicit drugs... Makes sense why our child would have 'withdrawal' symptoms from her tablet time being over. We started limiting screen time to 1 hour per day. Ember usually choses to split this time with 30 min of a science show in the morning upon waking up & 30 min sometime in the day on the tablet with educational games.

STILL, she has her moment once that timer goes....

Behaviors got really challenging when screen time was too available. Our children did not want to leave the home, which is super unlike them.

SO HOW DO I GET THE INTROVERTED CHILD OUT TO PLAY?

The answer may seem simple, but it became more obvious as we engaged with our 3 year old. Engage with their interests and bring those into outdoor play. Ember has a very large imagination and the promise of simply adventuring isn't enough anymore. We now engage in science experiments outside, collect and engage in imaginative play. Ember now has a glass box at our entry that she can store her collections and special finds upon returning home. We cycle out these rocks, sticks, bee hives, etc. weekly and when the box becomes full. Go to Michaels and purchase a special box($2-$4), they pick out, to store the items you are cycling out of the display.

Science experiments can get pricy, so try Pinterest and get dollarama supplies.

The other day, we did mentos + coke & it MADE HER LIFE! We chose to take it out to the lake and this allowed for her to get her interest in and then she played in nature like we intended!

little tip: Kids love to collect!

I hope your family finds ways to bring a little adventure into your lives everyday.

I highly suggest GROUNDING, while you're outside + airplane mode your cell phones.

Cheers,

Ashley

Second Shooter, Mother, Adventure enthusiast