I am a huge proponent of letting kids get outside, play in the dirt, and make a mess. That’s what I did when I was a kid, and I had an awesome childhood. I’d make forts under trees, explored the woods around my grandparents’ house, and went to Girl Scout camp at least twice a year. One time when I was really young, my cousin and I had a contest to see who could get more dirt on them. I had a blast, plus playing in the dirt actually boosts your immune system! For more reasons why you should let your kids get messy, read this article by Rachel at A Mother Far From Home:
-Sensory satisfaction- Young kids need LOTS of sensory input. Playing with water, dirt, mud, and going swimming can entertain them for hours.
-It’s not permanent- throw them in the tub and wash their clothes- the stains are temporary, the memories are not.
-It’s better than screentime- always put outside time before screen time.
Remember when you were in school, and sometimes a teachers would be merciful and let you use an index card “cheat sheet” on a test? Why don’t they have those for real life? For doing your taxes, or auto maintenance, or raising kids? Well, good news- at least for the last one. This post by 
My two-year-old nephew went to the beach for the first time last week! He had a blast, but was more interested in playing with sand and rocks than the ocean. Still, he had a great time! If you are taking your toddler to the beach soon, make sure you’re properly prepared with the right items. To keep your toddler happy and safe, check out this packing list by 
It’s Spring Break where I live, so all the kids are out of school. Some of them are on vacation at the beach, some are out camping, and some are just enjoying a week off at home. If your kids are home, one way to make their break memorable is by getting outside and MAKING some memories! You could try backyard camping, heading to a park/playground, or playing some of these awesome outdoor flashlight games by 
When I was in middle school, my family moved to another state, and the first year there was honestly the worst one of my life (I know, I’m lucky to have such minor problems). I was at a new school with no friends and was super shy (and super mad at my parents). Of course, I eventually started talking to people and I love my state now, but it was one of the roughest times for me and my parents. If you are moving and you have kids, it’s not going to be a walk in the park. Some kids handle it better than others (younger ones do better than middle or high school aged kids), but you still have your work cut out for you. Check out these tips by 
Camping is usually thought of as a summer activity, but I live in the South, and NO one wants to be stuck in a 98 degree tent for a night. Especially kids. That’s why I usually go camping in the springtime, or during Fall. It’s super fun, and usually fairly cheap (if not free). Campsites in my area usually charge less than $11 a night for a tent site, and you can usually find “primitive” spots for free. Of course, there is also your backyard! The possibilities are endless, and kids love cooking s’mores, making camp crafts, hiking, and enjoying nature. Check out this post by 
Schools are essential to a child’s mental and social development, but there are many things that kids need to know that simply aren’t taught at school. Life skills are the responsibility of the parent. Being able to write a convincing essay, read a classic book, and solve an algebra problem are fantastic- but what good is that if you can’t take care of yourself and survive in the real world? For skills that YOU need to teach your child, read this list by 
