As parents, we all want to set our kids up for success. We want them to do well in school, make friends easily, and grow into happy, capable adults.
But with so much pressure on academics these days, it’s easy to let those inner worries take over and wonder: Am I doing enough?
Village parenting is not the domain of parents alone. Playworkers, educators, mentors, coaches, aunties, uncles, grandparents, friends’ parents and even animals can be village parents too. It’s a collective, intuitive process whereby everyone’s needs get met, and everyone gets to thrive.
At Wildlings, we believe in the power of long-term, immersive nature play. While a single adventure in the forest can spark excitement, the real magic happens when children return, week after week, to the same wild spaces.
Living in South East Queensland means embracing the rainy weather as part of life. For kids, rainy days open up exciting opportunities to connect with nature. Building seed pod boats is a fantastic way for children to enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s wet. Whether floating boats in a local stream, driveway puddles, or backyard ditches, this activity combines fun, creativity, and environmental learning.
Keen for adventure but dreading the chaotic clean-up? The key is to anticipate messes and pack accordingly so you can stay relaxed while your child immerses themselves in the natural world.
Risky play is essential for children’s growth, allowing them to test boundaries, develop resilience, and build critical thinking skills. Here’s how to embrace the benefits of risky play while keeping safety in mind and regulating your own responses.
When children turn a stick into a sword or a bow, they aren't promoting harm—they're stepping into a world of make-believe.
Helping children overcome their fear of creepy crawlies is about more than just addressing fears—it’s about helping them fall in love with the intricate web of life all around us.
To help families embrace mindful movement, we’ve created a free, downloadable guide featuring animal yoga poses inspired by iconic Australian wildlife.
When done mindfully, foraging transforms everyday walks into treasure hunts. It’s an activity that fosters curiosity, cultivates patience, and enriches family and learning experiences.
Gifting hand tools opens up a world of exploration, creativity, and learning for kids. It’s not just a gift—it’s an investment in their growth, resilience, and connection to nature.
Parents, let’s talk about a persistent myth: “Playing outside in cold or wet weather makes kids sick.” It’s a belief that keeps so many children cooped up indoors during some of the most exciting, sensory-rich weather. But here's the truth: cold or wet conditions don’t cause illness. So, let's grab our gumboots and raincoats and dive into why getting outside—rain or shine—is essential for your child’s health and development.
One afternoon in the great outdoors is a fantastic start, but to truly experience the transformative effects of nature, our children (and we as parents!) need consistent, frequent time immersed in the natural world.
When kids seem moody or stressed, they often need a way to process their day and release energy. Allowing time for unstructured movement and play outdoors can be one of the most effective ways to support this.
It’s tempting to say, “Don’t throw rocks!”—but what if we shifted our approach? Embracing this activity safely can unlock a wealth of developmental benefits while promoting sustainability, ecological learning, and a sense of belonging for children.
As an educator, planning excursions for large groups of children can be a challenge, especially when those excursions involve taking them to the movies. What might seem like a straightforward, passive activity quickly turns into a stressful event filled with logistical hurdles, from keeping track of children to managing their behaviour in a public space.
Emotional co-regulation, the interactive process where parents or caregivers guide children in managing their feelings, plays a crucial role in a child’s emotional development. But it’s not just about calming them down in the moment—it’s about teaching lifelong skills that lay the foundation for mental well-being, resilience, and self-regulation.
Each time a child steps onto uneven terrain, their body is learning. The tiny adjustments their muscles and joints make help build strength, coordination, and self-awareness, while their brain works to process the sensory feedback.
What an incredible school holidays it's been here in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast! The weather was absolutely magical—cool breezes, sunlight filtering through the trees, and not a drop of rain. It set the perfect stage for the kids to dive into their forest adventures.
This hands-on project is perfect for the school holidays and offers a great opportunity to explore your local environment while creating something truly special.
