Unstructured Play
ParentingWhat You Need to Know About Leaving Kids Alone
As parents, we tend to keep our children close. Yet the older they become, the more childhood independence they crave. This push and pull of keeping …
ParentingStop Asking “Where Were the Parents?” When Something Goes Wrong
Just because a kid gets hurt doesn't mean their parents were neglectful. Let's stop asking, "Where were the parents?" as a way to blame others.
ParentingThis 6-Year-Old Makes Original Digital Music
You can learn how to make your own music using Garage Band with tips from 6-year-old, Arias. He'll show you the ropes in this article and video.
Parenting6 Insect Art Projects for Kids to Do on Their Own
Try out these fun insect art projects for kids. They are a great way to make art while also learning about bugs and insects.
Parenting5 Ways to Create Your Own Backyard Water Park
Create your own backyard waterpark with just a few inexpensive supplies. This is a great way to beat the heat with your family.
ParentingMake Your Own Cardboard TV—All You Need Is a Box
It's easy to make a cardboard TV. All you need is an empty box and a few other supplies. This is a great project for kids to make their own fun.
ParentingLet’s Make Youth Sports Fun Again
There are so many great benefits of youth sports, so why are kids quitting at such young ages? In most cases adults are likely the ones to blame.
ParentingDIY Bird Feeders Kids Can Make on Their Own
Check out these DIY bird feeders that kids can make entirely on their own. The projects only need a few supplies each. Then add seed!
Free PrintablesGet the Let Them Play Kit to Encourage Unstructured Play and Independence
Get our Let Them Play Kit to encourage kids to do more free and unstructured play. It's a great resource for play groups, neighborhoods, schools, and more.
Get IndependentWhat Is Unstructured Play, and How Does It Look?
The best parenting advice I ever received came from a mom whose son went to toddler music class with mine. She had tried to replace …
Free Printables20 Fun Backyard Games on Free Printable Cards
These fun backyard games are available as printable cards. They are some of the most classic childhood games that all kids should learn how to play.
Parenting20 of the Best Backyard Games for Kids and How to Play Them
Once upon a time, backyard games for kids were everywhere. Kids roamed their neighborhoods throughout the day and joined up to play all sorts of …
Free PrintablesKids Can Make Their Own Adventures with This Summer Printable Kit
This summer printable kit has lots of ideas for keeping kids busy and entertained...on their own. It comes with games, a challenge page, and more.
ParentingHow to Encourage Your Kids to Create Strong Sibling Relationships at Any Age
Our family (like others throughout the world) has been spending a lot of time together for the last several weeks. At first, it felt relatively …
ParentingHow to Teach Kids to Solve Their Own Problems
I learned to solve my own problems by attending the School of Hard Knocks. At least that’s what my mom called it. Growing up, I …
ParentingI Allow My 6-Year-Old to Play Outside Alone on the River, and It Makes Her Stronger
The Milwaukee River runs through this mom's backyard. Read about what she's learned by allowing her 6-year-old daughter to play outside alone.
ParentingWhy Daydreaming Can Be Incredibly Good for Kids
When our world here in Nashville shut down in response to COVID-19, my kids found a much-welcome distraction through daydreaming. At first our boys, ages …
ParentingMy Kids Unlocked the Magic of LEGOs by Ditching the Instruction Manual
When I was pregnant with our first daughter, my husband rubbed my belly and whispered, “I can’t wait for the time of playing with LEGOs …
ParentingHow Lawnmower Parenting and Takis Killed My Daughter’s Friendship
Like many moms these days, I could probably be a lot less involved in my kids’ friendships. Have you heard of lawnmower parenting (aka snowplow …
ParentingWhy Giving Kids Experiences Instead of Things Will Always Be Better
I've been spending a lot of time at home lately, and it’s made me acutely aware of all the things living in this space with …
ParentingCoronavirus Hit the “Pause” Button on My Busy Life, and I Couldn’t Be More Grateful
The overly scheduled, busy family was the norm for so many of us. But maybe this an opportunity to make important changes.
ParentingLoose Parts Play Will Change the Way Your Kids Spend Their Free Time
Learn the value of loose parts play when you just let your kids go and figure it out on their own. All they need in a few parts to get started.
Parenting12 Amazing Things Kids Can Do with Sticks
If you've ever gone on a nature walk with a kid, you know that they love to pick up stuff along the way. In fact, …
ParentingCan You Tell Me How to Entertain Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis?
Are you trying to figure out how to entertain kids? Get Lenore Skenazy's advice. Plus, learn why it's not actually your job to entertain them.
ParentingBoard Games Give Us the Distraction and Quality Family Time We All Need Right Now
Playing board games helps reduce stress and encourage social-emotional learning. Take a look at some of the best board games chosen by Let Grow staff.
ParentingI Tried to Get My Boys to Stop Roughhousing, but That Was a Mistake
When this mom couldn't get her boys to stop roughhousing and wrestling, she decided to change her approach. All she needed was a few ground rules.
ParentingLearn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps
Learn how to make beeswax wraps using just a few supplies. This is a great project kids can do on their own, and it's a good way to save on using plastic.
ParentingHow Can I Let Grow If I’m Constantly Worried About My Kids Getting Hurt?
When our kids get hurt, our instinct is to shelter them so that it won’t happen again. But are there other ways to safeguard kids against injury? The research says there are, and they’re easier than we thought.
Parenting7 DIY Snow Experiments Kids Can Do on Their Own
Looking for DIY snow experiments? Get a recipe for making snow, try your hand at snow ice cream, and even learn how to make your own DIY snow globe.
ParentingRoman’s Cooking Corner Is the Little Bit of Messy We All Need
Roman's Cooking Corner shows the magic that can happen when you let kids be kids. This toddler reminds us that messy can be a good thing.
ParentingCommunity Building Can Go a Long Way in Creating Strong Kids
Community building doesn't have to be overly involved or complicated. Yet, it's so powerful in creating a strong neighborhood and independent kids.
Education & SchoolsP.E. Class Needs Less Structure and More Free Play
P.E. class doesn't have to be regimented and structured. Learn how this P.E. teacher used free play to transform his classes.
News23 Funny Signs That Go a Bit Overboard with the Cautions and Warnings
These overly cautious and really funny signs will have you thinking twice before you go out in public again. You better watch out!
ParentingThe Magical Power of Family Reunions
Family reunions bring families together. Even if you come from different backgrounds, kids know how to get together and play.
ParentingWhy We Should Get Rid of Curfews for Minors
Curfews for minors aren't actually doing much good or reducing crime. This dad thinks it's time to get rid of curfews and give kids a little trust again.
ParentingJonah Larson Is Showing the World That Boys Can—and Should—Crochet
Jonah Larson is a crochet prodigy. Learn how this boy taught himself how to crochet at only 5 and how he's making his own YouTube tutorials now.
ParentingLet’s Stop Telling Our Kids to Be Careful All the Time
This is probably a phrase you say on a regular basis without even realizing it, but it doesn't support raising confident kids. Are you guilty?
Education & SchoolsSchool Recess Keeps Shrinking, and Our Kids Deserve Better
Learn about LiiNK, the school recess program that is reshaping the way some schools view recess and unstructured play for the better.
ParentingDear Parents Everywhere, It’s Okay to Let Your Kids Be Bored
As adults who were formerly children, we know the magic of childhood lies in its minimal responsibilities and abundance of free time. No doubt our …
ParentingWhen Lite-Brite Gets Lame, You Have to Improvise
What happened to the original Lite-Brite design? Learn what this mom did once she learned Lite-Brite remove the pointy pegs from the original design.
Education & SchoolsMovement Breaks Should Not Be a Substitute for Recess
This mom has seen recess shrink at her son's school, and she believes movements breaks should never be a substitution for recess.
ParentingAm I a Bad Parent If Don’t Like Playing With My Kids?
When our kids were toddlers my husband vowed he was going to write a book, "How to Play with Your Kids Without Getting off the …
What You Need to Know About Leaving Kids Alone
As parents, we tend to keep our children close. Yet the older they become, the more childhood independence they crave. This push and pull of keeping …
Stop Asking “Where Were the Parents?” When Something Goes Wrong
Just because a kid gets hurt doesn't mean their parents were neglectful. Let's stop asking, "Where were the parents?" as a way to blame others.
This 6-Year-Old Makes Original Digital Music
You can learn how to make your own music using Garage Band with tips from 6-year-old, Arias. He'll show you the ropes in this article and video.
6 Insect Art Projects for Kids to Do on Their Own
Try out these fun insect art projects for kids. They are a great way to make art while also learning about bugs and insects.
5 Ways to Create Your Own Backyard Water Park
Create your own backyard waterpark with just a few inexpensive supplies. This is a great way to beat the heat with your family.
Make Your Own Cardboard TV—All You Need Is a Box
It's easy to make a cardboard TV. All you need is an empty box and a few other supplies. This is a great project for kids to make their own fun.
Let’s Make Youth Sports Fun Again
There are so many great benefits of youth sports, so why are kids quitting at such young ages? In most cases adults are likely the ones to blame.
DIY Bird Feeders Kids Can Make on Their Own
Check out these DIY bird feeders that kids can make entirely on their own. The projects only need a few supplies each. Then add seed!
Get the Let Them Play Kit to Encourage Unstructured Play and Independence
Get our Let Them Play Kit to encourage kids to do more free and unstructured play. It's a great resource for play groups, neighborhoods, schools, and more.
What Is Unstructured Play, and How Does It Look?
The best parenting advice I ever received came from a mom whose son went to toddler music class with mine. She had tried to replace …
20 Fun Backyard Games on Free Printable Cards
These fun backyard games are available as printable cards. They are some of the most classic childhood games that all kids should learn how to play.
20 of the Best Backyard Games for Kids and How to Play Them
Once upon a time, backyard games for kids were everywhere. Kids roamed their neighborhoods throughout the day and joined up to play all sorts of …
Kids Can Make Their Own Adventures with This Summer Printable Kit
This summer printable kit has lots of ideas for keeping kids busy and entertained...on their own. It comes with games, a challenge page, and more.
How to Encourage Your Kids to Create Strong Sibling Relationships at Any Age
Our family (like others throughout the world) has been spending a lot of time together for the last several weeks. At first, it felt relatively …
How to Teach Kids to Solve Their Own Problems
I learned to solve my own problems by attending the School of Hard Knocks. At least that’s what my mom called it. Growing up, I …
I Allow My 6-Year-Old to Play Outside Alone on the River, and It Makes Her Stronger
The Milwaukee River runs through this mom's backyard. Read about what she's learned by allowing her 6-year-old daughter to play outside alone.
Why Daydreaming Can Be Incredibly Good for Kids
When our world here in Nashville shut down in response to COVID-19, my kids found a much-welcome distraction through daydreaming. At first our boys, ages …
My Kids Unlocked the Magic of LEGOs by Ditching the Instruction Manual
When I was pregnant with our first daughter, my husband rubbed my belly and whispered, “I can’t wait for the time of playing with LEGOs …
How Lawnmower Parenting and Takis Killed My Daughter’s Friendship
Like many moms these days, I could probably be a lot less involved in my kids’ friendships. Have you heard of lawnmower parenting (aka snowplow …
Why Giving Kids Experiences Instead of Things Will Always Be Better
I've been spending a lot of time at home lately, and it’s made me acutely aware of all the things living in this space with …
Coronavirus Hit the “Pause” Button on My Busy Life, and I Couldn’t Be More Grateful
The overly scheduled, busy family was the norm for so many of us. But maybe this an opportunity to make important changes.
Loose Parts Play Will Change the Way Your Kids Spend Their Free Time
Learn the value of loose parts play when you just let your kids go and figure it out on their own. All they need in a few parts to get started.
12 Amazing Things Kids Can Do with Sticks
If you've ever gone on a nature walk with a kid, you know that they love to pick up stuff along the way. In fact, …
Can You Tell Me How to Entertain Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis?
Are you trying to figure out how to entertain kids? Get Lenore Skenazy's advice. Plus, learn why it's not actually your job to entertain them.
Board Games Give Us the Distraction and Quality Family Time We All Need Right Now
Playing board games helps reduce stress and encourage social-emotional learning. Take a look at some of the best board games chosen by Let Grow staff.
I Tried to Get My Boys to Stop Roughhousing, but That Was a Mistake
When this mom couldn't get her boys to stop roughhousing and wrestling, she decided to change her approach. All she needed was a few ground rules.
Learn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps
Learn how to make beeswax wraps using just a few supplies. This is a great project kids can do on their own, and it's a good way to save on using plastic.
How Can I Let Grow If I’m Constantly Worried About My Kids Getting Hurt?
When our kids get hurt, our instinct is to shelter them so that it won’t happen again. But are there other ways to safeguard kids against injury? The research says there are, and they’re easier than we thought.
7 DIY Snow Experiments Kids Can Do on Their Own
Looking for DIY snow experiments? Get a recipe for making snow, try your hand at snow ice cream, and even learn how to make your own DIY snow globe.
Roman’s Cooking Corner Is the Little Bit of Messy We All Need
Roman's Cooking Corner shows the magic that can happen when you let kids be kids. This toddler reminds us that messy can be a good thing.
Community Building Can Go a Long Way in Creating Strong Kids
Community building doesn't have to be overly involved or complicated. Yet, it's so powerful in creating a strong neighborhood and independent kids.
P.E. Class Needs Less Structure and More Free Play
P.E. class doesn't have to be regimented and structured. Learn how this P.E. teacher used free play to transform his classes.
23 Funny Signs That Go a Bit Overboard with the Cautions and Warnings
These overly cautious and really funny signs will have you thinking twice before you go out in public again. You better watch out!
The Magical Power of Family Reunions
Family reunions bring families together. Even if you come from different backgrounds, kids know how to get together and play.
Why We Should Get Rid of Curfews for Minors
Curfews for minors aren't actually doing much good or reducing crime. This dad thinks it's time to get rid of curfews and give kids a little trust again.
Jonah Larson Is Showing the World That Boys Can—and Should—Crochet
Jonah Larson is a crochet prodigy. Learn how this boy taught himself how to crochet at only 5 and how he's making his own YouTube tutorials now.
Let’s Stop Telling Our Kids to Be Careful All the Time
This is probably a phrase you say on a regular basis without even realizing it, but it doesn't support raising confident kids. Are you guilty?
School Recess Keeps Shrinking, and Our Kids Deserve Better
Learn about LiiNK, the school recess program that is reshaping the way some schools view recess and unstructured play for the better.
Dear Parents Everywhere, It’s Okay to Let Your Kids Be Bored
As adults who were formerly children, we know the magic of childhood lies in its minimal responsibilities and abundance of free time. No doubt our …
When Lite-Brite Gets Lame, You Have to Improvise
What happened to the original Lite-Brite design? Learn what this mom did once she learned Lite-Brite remove the pointy pegs from the original design.
Movement Breaks Should Not Be a Substitute for Recess
This mom has seen recess shrink at her son's school, and she believes movements breaks should never be a substitution for recess.
Am I a Bad Parent If Don’t Like Playing With My Kids?
When our kids were toddlers my husband vowed he was going to write a book, "How to Play with Your Kids Without Getting off the …