Skip to main content

The Classroom Without Walls: What Our Travels Taught Us About Curiosity






Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the contrast between the various landscapes that have shaped my family’s life. From the salty, wind-swept air of our previous coastal home, to the lush, vibrant energy of where we live now, nature has been our most consistent teacher. Whether we are navigating historic streets abroad or feeling the crisp bite of the mountain air during a family ski trip, these moments of unstructured exploration are where true curiosity takes root.

Why Outdoor Play Matters

In my work with Thrive N' Create, I often discuss the intersection of creativity and well-being. I’ve realized that for my child, outdoor play isn't just about burning off energy; it’s about:

  • Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to navigate a trail or build a fort.

  • Observation: Noticing the tiny details in a leaf or the way the light changes at sunset.

  • Resilience: Learning to embrace the elements, whether it’s a sudden rain shower or a chilly morning on the slopes.

Nurturing the "Mama-Founder" Spirit

As mothers, we often feel the pressure to have everything planned and "on schedule." But there is a unique kind of restoration that comes from watching our kids engage with the world with no agenda. It reminds us to bring that same sense of wonder back to our own ventures and our own self-care.

When we allow the world to be our classroom, we aren't just teaching our children about nature—we are teaching them how to be lifelong learners.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

🎉 Family Fun with a Fizz! Festive DIY Activities for Kids (and Kids at Heart!) 🎉

The holidays are a time for making memories, and what better way to do that than with some creative, hands-on fun? At Thrive n' Create, we believe in the power of creativity to spark joy and bring families together. That's why we've put together this special newsletter filled with exciting DIY activities using a simple ingredient you probably already have in your pantry: ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda! Get ready to unleash your inner child and create some holiday magic with these fun and easy projects: 1. Sneaker Peekers: Bye-Bye Stinky Shoes! Turn those smelly sneakers into adorable creatures with this fun craft that doubles as a deodorizer. What You Need: 1 new, white athletic sock (mid-calf size) 1 cup ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda 1 rubber band 6" ribbon or string Felt, markers, buttons, sequins, and glue for decorating What to Do: Lay down newspaper to protect your work surface. Fill the sock with baking soda and secure it with a rubber band. Tie the ribbo...

Suggestions for cooking a Valentine's Day meal

Meal Ideas 

Junk Journaling

    Junk journaling is a wonderfully creative and free-form way to express yourself! It's all about using found and recycled materials to create a unique and personal book. Think of it as a scrapbook with a more artistic and less structured approach.     Here's a breakdown of what makes a junk journal, and I'll try to paint a picture with words since I can't physically show you one: The Base: This is often made from recycled book pages, file folders, envelopes, or even fabric scraps sewn together. Imagine old book covers repurposed into a new spine and pages. The Pages: These are the heart of the journal and can be a mix of anything! Think: Torn or cut out pieces from magazines, newspapers, maps, sheet music. Pretty patterned paper scraps. Old letters, postcards, receipts, tickets.     Fabric scraps, lace, doilies.     Photos (both new and old). Handwritten notes, poems, or doodles. Pressed flowers, leaves, or other ephemera. ...