Category Archives: Home
Three lessons from the outdoors for Election Day
3 reasons wearing a life jacket is critical for parents
“Outdoor” things to do when outdoors isn’t cooperating
Life is disappointment, or why I’m breaking my kid’s heart this weekend
Maine is once again embroiled in a headline-grabbing debate that is pitting neighbor against neighbor and big government against the common man. This fight is even going to bring chaos to my own, normally peaceful house very soon. You see, I’m going to have to tell my daughter that I’m breaking a promise I made […]
The beauty of snow day imperfection
At 7:16 this morning, my kids headed out into the first actual snowstorm of the season in our neck of the woods. They pulled on their hand-me-down or thrift store snowsuits and jackets over their pajamas, dug around in our mess of an entryway until they located somewhat appropriate hats and mittens, and headed out […]
The impact of the outdoors on kids’ mental health: A Scraped-Up interview
This is my absolute least favorite time of year to try to get the kids outside. It’s cold enough to discourage casual outdoor play and there’s no snow to provide a counteracting lure. Plus it’s practically dark by the time the kids get home–and definitely dark by the time I get home. I’ve noticed everyone […]
The non-lazy, non-hazy, super crazy days of summer
Remember my plea to not let summer go? We tried, we really, really tried. But sometimes, things just get too busy. We have gotten too busy. In the last two weeks, I have been to the following locations in Maine: Blue Hill, Augusta, Gouldsboro, Portland, and Belfast. My husband has been in these places: Blue […]
Great Hikes for Kids: Loop Trail, Lamoine State Park
Location: Hancock County Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy Ages: All ages, but probably of most interest to those under 10 While visiting family earlier this summer, my son missed a preschool field trip to Lamoine State Park. Since then, he’s been pestering us relentlessly to visit this nearby park. We’ve put it off because it’s […]
Got a fourth grader? Get them in a park
Because I was so distracted by the first day of school and it’s ensuing dramas, I kind of forgot something important. Yesterday, September 1st, marked the opening of the Every Kid in a Park initiative. Every fourth grader in the country is eligible for a free pass to all federal parks and waters. These passes […]