The Homeschool Curious Podcast

In a world where screen time often overshadows nature, Julianne Nienberg, the voice behind My Outdoorsy Mom, emphasizes the importance of unstructured outdoor play for children. From her experiences in Michigan’s beautiful landscapes to the challenges of winter, Julianne shares invaluable insights on how parents can foster a love for the outdoors in their kids.

Julianne’s journey as My Outdoorsy Mom began during a hectic winter while she was a full-time working mom with two toddlers and a third on the way. She felt a pressing need for her children to experience more outdoor play amidst their busy lives.

Inspired by the book “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather,” which highlights Scandinavian culture’s integration of nature into daily life, Julianne made it her mission to prioritize outdoor time for her kids. After work, she would rush her children home, quickly get them into their snow gear, and encourage them to spend even just 15 minutes outside. This commitment sparked a transformation in their daily routine and ignited a passion for exploration.

Julianne acknowledges that the initial hurdle for parents, especially in cold climates, is the time-consuming process of dressing kids for outdoor activities. She humorously notes that parents often spend more time getting gear on than actually enjoying the outdoors.

However, she reassures parents that persistence pays off. Her youngest son, now five, is impressively quick at putting on his snow pants, a skill he developed with practice. By embracing small outdoor moments throughout the day—whether it’s a quick snack on the patio or a short walk after nap time—parents can cultivate a love for nature in their children.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Julianne’s parenting journey has been witnessing her children engage in risky play. Her middle child, who is naturally adventurous, has often pushed the boundaries, climbing high into trees. Julianne has learned to hold back her instinctive reactions, allowing him to explore and develop confidence in his abilities. She emphasizes the importance of unstructured playtime, where children can explore their limits and learn to assess risks independently. This freedom not only fosters independence but also nurtures creativity and imagination.

Julianne encourages parents to send their children outside without an abundance of toys, allowing them to use their imagination to create and explore. She shares how her children have built villages with sticks and rocks, showcasing the wonders of unstructured play. By stepping back and allowing their creativity to flourish, children learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and develop essential life skills.

Julianne’s insights remind us of the immense value of outdoor play in children’s lives. By prioritizing unstructured time in nature, parents can help their kids develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Embrace the little moments, invest in quality outdoor gear, and remember: kids are washable, and their adventures are invaluable.

You can watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube, or listen any where else you get your podcasts.

Follow Julianne on her Blog, Instagram and Podcast!

The post Raising Confident Kids Through Risky and Unstructured Outdoor Play appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.