Rain or Shine Mamma

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes

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9 tips to get outside with teens and tweens

9 tips to get outside with teens and tweens

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
May 20, 2021 By Linda McGurk

“When my kids were little, getting outside was easy but now, when they’re older, it’s hard to get them engaged in outdoor pursuits. I don’t know what to do – it’s almost like starting over again.” Sounds familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Almost on a weekly basis, I’m contacted by parents who are at a loss for how to… Read More

Filed Under: Featured, Parent with Nature, Tips and Tricks 4 Comments

How to really enjoy – and not merely survive – winter

How to really enjoy – and not merely survive – winter

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
December 30, 2020 By Linda McGurk

When I lived in Indiana, a curious thing happened every year around the time when the Thanksgiving turkey was in the books and the morning frost began to drape the neatly mowed small-town lawns. The drop in temperature and gradual loss of daylight seemed to signal that it was time for outdoor activities to come to a close and long-term… Read More

Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Parent with Nature 7 Comments

Don’t lock up our kids – they need outside play now more than ever

Don’t lock up our kids – they need outside play now more than ever

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
August 19, 2020 By Linda McGurk

As I was lazily browsing my Facebook feed last night, a heated thread about an elementary school in Indiana caught my attention. The school has opened again after closing because of Covid-19 last spring, but is subject to severe restrictions put forth by the state. As a consequence, the playground equipment has been shut down and the children now must… Read More

Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Parent with Nature 7 Comments

The Unexpected Ways Free Outdoor Play Sets Your Child Up for Success

The Unexpected Ways Free Outdoor Play Sets Your Child Up for Success

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January 11, 2020 By Linda McGurk

When we think of learning, our mind immediately tends to conjure up images of classrooms, desks and text books. After all, school is the epitome of learning and an institution that most of us send our kids to in order to gain essential skills. But historically speaking, schools are a new phenomenon. For hundreds of thousands of years, in hunter-gatherer… Read More

Filed Under: Featured, Learn with Nature, Outdoor Learning Leave a Comment

Why Scandinavians Leave Their Babies Out in the Cold

Why Scandinavians Leave Their Babies Out in the Cold

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
November 3, 2019 By Linda McGurk

A few years ago, I got talking to a prominent researcher at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana about the Scandinavian attitude to outdoor play and nature connection. I told her about our commitment to dressing kids for the weather and getting them outside every day, as well as our obsession with friluftsliv (topics which are all covered in detail in… Read More

Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Parent with Nature 24 Comments

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There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient and Confident Kids. “Bringing Up Bébé meets Last Child in the Woods in this lively, insightful memoir about a mother who sets out to discover if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native Scandinavia holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her American children."

“Linda McGurk offers a perfect antidote to the hyper-vigilant, extra-electrified, standardized-tested, house-arrested, 21st-century childhood and the experts who push it. Practical and wise, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather proves just that, and much more.”
—Richard Louv, bestselling author of LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS and VITAMIN N

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Let Them Climb Trees! The many benefits of tree climbing for kids. Don't miss these tips for staying safe while climbing trees! Rain or Shine Mamma

Parents – Stop Worrying and Let Your Children Climb Trees!

The Joy of Missing Out. How limiting tech use and social media can make us feel happier and more grounded. Rain or Shine Mamma

The Joy of Missing Out (and How to Find It)

Make a Beautiful Hiking Stick from Nature. A fun nature activity that fits both younger and older kids. Rain or Shine Mamma. #naturecraft #natureactivities #nature #forestschool

Make a Beautiful Hiking Stick with Nature

Summer Reading List for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoorsy Types. Eight great books that will inspire you to get outside and immerse yourself in nature. #readinglist #booktips #naturebooks

Summer Reading List for Nature Lovers and Other Outdoorsy Types

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  • Is getting your tween or teen out the door an uphill battle? Check out these tips for cutting screen time and adding more "green time" to your child's life! #outdoors #teens #tweens #outdoorlife #screentime
  • 9 tips to get outside with teens and tweens
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
  • 9 Safety Tips for Kids Climbing Trees. Does your tree climbing child make you nervous? These tips will ease your own fears and help your child learn how to negotiate risk. Rain or Shine Mamma. #treeclimbing #kids #tree #riskyplay
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Rain or Shine Mamma

11 hours ago

Rain or Shine Mamma
Have you heard this word? Hands up if you think this should make it into the dictionary!🙋🏼‍♀️"Coddiwomple: (v.) to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination." 😉 ... See MoreSee Less
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Rain or Shine Mamma

3 days ago

Rain or Shine Mamma
I’m not going to lie - there are times when my children’s dawdling drives me nuts. Like when they take 45 minutes to finish breakfast even though we’re running late . But I also envy their ability to be completely unhurried and present in the moment, and I realize that it’s a quality that I need to protect🐌As parents, we need to make space for our children to play, get bored, dawdle, wander, wonder, create, sleep in, be wild and free and watch the clouds go by. Let them be where they are and not push them to achieve arbitrary milestones or condition them to think that a packed calendar is the key to success and happiness.As always, Ginny of @1000hoursoutside is on point🙌🏻_____________________________#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #1000hoursoutside #quote ... See MoreSee Less
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Rain or Shine Mamma

1 week ago

Rain or Shine Mamma
The best part about rainy weather? Why, the puddles of course!💦☔️😍 ... See MoreSee Less
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Rain or Shine Mamma

2 weeks ago

Rain or Shine Mamma
Do any of these grow near you? If so, it’s a good idea to be able to identify them. Don’t forget to show the kids!🌿A friendly reminder to all of our US friends and followers, we are really lucky we don't have these in the UK.... ... See MoreSee Less
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Rain or Shine Mamma

2 weeks ago

Rain or Shine Mamma
"Children are wired to be fascinated with nature, but it’s harder than ever for little ones to get out in green spaces. It’s nobody’s fault, really. We could point to technology reliance, dense cities or the pandemic to explain why we’re not getting out as much. But the good news is, you can reverse this trend...Whether you're a veteran green thumb or just beginning with a humble patch of dirt, [gardening] is one of the most enriching outdoor activities you can give to children."Great post from Famly, packed with tips and inspiration!🌿 ... See MoreSee Less

The best Early Years teacher is a garden | Famly

www.famly.co

Let's explore how you can dig deeper when gardening with children.
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rainorshinemamma

Linda Åkeson McGurk
I’m not going to lie - there are times when my c I’m not going to lie - there are times when my children’s dawdling drives me nuts. Like when they take 45 minutes to finish breakfast even though we’re running late . But I also envy their ability to be completely unhurried and present in the moment, and I realize that it’s a quality that I need to protect🐌

As parents, we need to make space for our children to play, get bored, dawdle, wander, wonder, create, sleep in, be wild and free and watch the clouds go by. Let them be where they are and not push them to achieve arbitrary milestones or condition them to think that a packed calendar is the key to success and happiness.

As always, Ginny of @1000hoursoutside is on point🙌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #1000hoursoutside #quote
Did you know that camping for as little as two nig Did you know that camping for as little as two nights straight can help you reset your circadian rhythms and improve your sleep for several weeks afterwards? That's because the natural light helps the body regulate melatonin, a hormone that tells the body when it's time to get up and go, and when it's time to rest and recuperate🌗 

My melatonin levels weren't top of mind when @jeanetteosterman and I started our challenge to sleep outside at least once a month for a year. But I must say, I rarely sleep as soundly and feel as energetic as I do when I sleep under the skies.

Have you ever tried sleeping in a camping hammock? I bought my first one a few years ago and I ❤️ it!
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #openairlife #sleepingoutside #camping #campinglife #hammock #sleepingoutsidechallenge #freshaireveryday
Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and fe Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and feel like you're constantly negotiating/fighting/fretting over your child's screen time👋🏼 

Well, you're not alone😰 

Since 2011, when mobile internet had its breakthrough, teens' and tweens' screen time has increased dramatically. At the same time, physical activity has decreased significantly. The WHO recommends that teenagers get at least one hour of physical activity every day, but in reality 85% of the girls and 78% of the boys globally don't meet the target.

Making outdoor activity a normal part of your daily routine can help  your tween or teen get the exercise and fresh air they need  and lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. I'm the first to admit that it isn't easy, but then again, nobody said parenting would be a cakewalk🤪

Hang in there and check out a few of the strategies that help me balance screen time with 'green time'. Do you have any tips to share?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #parenting #parentingteens #parentingtweens #getoutside
“I’m not thrilled about looking older. But wha “I’m not thrilled about looking older. But what unsettles me the most about the 40s is the implication that I’m now a grown-up myself.”
- Pamela Druckerman

Forty-four laps around the sun today and I still find that the passing of time is one of life’s greatest mysteries.
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #aging #44 
@pameladruck
This is exactly how I feel when I spend time in na This is exactly how I feel when I spend time in nature and why I find it so relaxing. When I’m outside with my kids I’m really present in the moment and there’s no place I’d rather be❤️ Hope you feel the same🌿

Quote by @awilderchild 
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #optoutside #outside #outsideisfree #theairisfree #wildchildhood #letthemexplore #letthembekids
They don’t always want to come hiking with me bu They don’t always want to come hiking with me but when they do, they want hot chocolate 100% of the time❤️😅

What’s your outdoor comfort food?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #outdoorfood #friluftsliv #outsideeveryday #optoutside #vitaminn
This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations @conn This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations @connectedmothering, you are our winner!🙌🏻🎉🎊

💨💨💨GIVEAWAY💨💨💨
Air is the element that is constantly on the move, blowing through the trees, helping flowers pollinate and oxygenating our bodies. It’s something that we can’t live without, yet often take for granted. Fortunately, children’s author Simone Nofel is here to do air justice with a brand new and beautifully illustrated picture book that will inspire you to explore this essential element with your little ones📚 The best part? You now have a chance to win a copy of Air: Exploring the Elements!
 
How to enter👇🏼
 
✅ Like and save this post.
✅ Follow @rainorshinemamma and @heartyandfree
✅ Comment with your favorite way of enjoying the wind
 
The giveaway closes on April 10 and we will draw a random winner after that. You must be 18 and live in the U.S. or Canada to enter. This giveaway is not associated with or sponsored by Instagram. Good luck!❤
I’ve always loved traveling and have been to my I’ve always loved traveling and have been to my fair share of exotic places, the farther the better🌎 Sometimes, I’d stay for a week, sometimes for months, or even a year. But in the past few years, my horizon has narrowed, and not only because of the pandemic. 

The effects of global climate change are real and it’s becoming harder and harder for me to justify flying for recreation. I’m not here to say that I’m swearing off flying altogether (we have a lot of family abroad that we can only get to by air) but I’m mostly trying to satisfy my craving for adventure at local destinations these days. And it’s been an eye opener🤩

There’s so much more to discover locally than I’d ever thought and going on these micro adventures makes me feel more rooted in my community and the history of this place. Hopefully, my girls will feel it too🌳

What are your thoughts on exploring more locally?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #microadventure #microadventures #sweden #outdooradventures #åsletå #hornborgarsjön
When I became a parent, one of the first books I r When I became a parent, one of the first books I read was Free-Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy and I felt like I’d finally found somebody who “got it.”🙌🏻 Somebody who stood up and said enough is enough with the helicopter parenting trend, questioned the need for baby knee pads and reminded everyone that it’s okay for kids to be bored, drink out of the garden hose, climb trees and play without intervention by adults who are trying to make the activity more “educational.” Somebody who understood that free play is learning. And for that, we thank her🙏🏻🙌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #freerangekids #freerangekid #wildandfreechildren #wildandfreekids #wildandfree #wildschooling #freeplay #playingislearning #letthemplay #letthembekids #letthembewild 
@lskenazy
A follower recently asked me when she could start A follower recently asked me when she could start hiking with her kids, to which I responded that I’ve always hiked with mine, ever since they were babies👶🏻 I kept going after they graduated from the carrier, but obviously “hiking” with a toddler is a lot different than hiking by yourself and I think it’s important to be prepared for and accepting of that, or nobody is going to have a good time.

If you’d like to know more about hiking with toddlers, I share some tips in this post: https://rainorshinemamma.com/hiking-with-toddlers/. 

What are your thoughts on hiking with little kids? Do you have any tips that you’d like to share?💡
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #hiking #hikingwithkids #hikingwithtoddlers #hikingwithbabies #optoutside
Yes, it looks cozy around the fire and it was🔥 Yes, it looks cozy around the fire and it was🔥 What the picture doesn’t show is us making a wrong turn and losing the trail, resulting in a 1.5-mile detour with heavy packs and sunset closing in on us before we finally reached our campsite🙈

One of the reasons why I love hiking and backpacking is that even though it’s about “living simply”, it also involves a great deal of problem-solving. I actually like it when things don’t go exactly according to plan, because you learn more that way. Not just practical things, like figuring out your location and getting on the right track, but also about yourself and your reaction to challenges🙌🏻

In this case, the wrong turn was just a minor misstep that we were able to correct by backtracking, but it was a good way to test our reasoning skills and resilience at a point when we were both starting to get a little tired.

This was our fourth time of sleeping outside at least once a month for a year, a challenge I jumped on thanks to my friend @jeanetteosterman. I’m not normally one to do challenges but this has been a fantastic way to push my boundaries and learn new skills. Who knows, maybe sleeping under the open skies once a month will become my new normal?😜🤩
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #optoutside #outdoorexperten #camping #campinglife #springcamping #backpacking #backpackingwithkids #vitaminn
I think it’s safe to say that if more of us trie I think it’s safe to say that if more of us tried to see the world through a child’s eye, this Earth would be a much more loving and compassionate place❤️

Thanks @awilderchild for your amazing nature poetry🙏🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #nature #naturepoetry #quotes #naturequotes
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