4.5 mile hike in the rain through a wetland wildlife refuge is our kind of fun. Want some tips for successful hikes with kids? 1. Gear: I consider the right clothing for the environment and weather the tuition we pay for entering nature’s classroom. On this rainy day, that meant waterproof outer layers. 2. Scaffolding: Growth happens when we are tolerably uncomfortable, so when planning hiking distances, start wherever your child is today and go just one small step beyond it. 3. Expectations: Release any attachment to an outcome and make the goal to just be there, together (walking 5 steps and then watching bees for an hour is success too). 4. Freedom: As my kids get older, sometimes they want to do their own thing, and that is a-okay. On this day, my teen met up with a friend and they plotted their own course and my tween wanted to sit on a bench on a viewing platform while we joyfully hiked to the end—all okay. 
In the new episode of the Sage Family Podcast with @smartmoneymamas about allowance I share that we started off on team no allowance. Then in a Bucket System collaboration session my kid showed me that their needs had evolved and we became an allowance family. Gentle parenting and natural homeschooling never let you get too comfortable with your positions, which makes sense, right? If you’re basing your approach on honoring needs, and people’s needs change as they grow, then so must we. What is something you have evolved your position on? 
I am loving the community and support that is flourishing inside the Sage Family Village so hard that I am going to give away 2 year-long memberships! That’s a full year of like-minded community you crave, complete with ongoing discussion and live monthly group coaching. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘵? 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩—𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦! Here’s how to enter: 1. Like this post. 2. Tag a friend in a comment. 3. Follow @sage.family. On Tuesday, May 25th I will choose one entry as a winner and gift them and their tagged friend with an annual membership to the Sage Family Village (winner will be notified by DM). 
I believe in medical freedom. And I have chosen to wear a mask and get the vaccine. I support your right to decide what is best for your body, whether we’re talking about home birth or vaccines or abortion or medical care for trans youth. I trust that you know your body and understand your needs better than I do. I leave the work of making informed choices for your family in your capable hands.