How "Nature Play" Helped Me Reconnect With My Own Childhood

Every time we visited a playground, she’d climb the wrong way up the slide. If I signed her up for a class or workshop, she’d wander off to the opposite side of the building, chasing something entirely different—and far more interesting (to her, anyway). For a while, I genuinely thought it was just us. Maybe we weren’t like other families whose kids sat still, followed instructions, and just... fit in.

When we found Wildlings, everything changed.

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Kerrie Harth
How “Play Invitations” Will Change the Way You Parent

After years spent in school and the workforce, it’s easy to start measuring everything by outcomes—even the way we play with our children. I found myself scrolling for craft ideas or activities, thinking, This is how it’s supposed to be done. But over time, I realised there is no “correct” way to play. The most profound shift in my parenting came when I let go of the need to lead, and instead began offering something called play invitations.

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Kerrie Harth
Village Parenting: A Playworker’s Perspective

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.

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Ellen Nesbitt
How To Make Australian Seed Pod Boats

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.

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Kerrie HarthNature Craft
You Can’t “Catch a Cold” in Wet Weather

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.

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