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.
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.
When I moved to a new town with a five-year-old, I thought I was signing up for outdoor fun and mud play—just something for my daughter to enjoy. What I found instead was a community that changed the way I parent and a place where both of us could grow.
Living in such a beautiful place means that during the school holidays, things can get pretty busy. That’s why now is the time for families to get out and enjoy all that South East Queensland has to offer—before the crowds arrive and the rush takes over.
Hop in the car, wear something comfy, and take a short, scenic drive. No long hiking trails, no complicated plans—just a quick getaway without any pressure.
As parents, we all want to set our kids up for success. We want them to do well in school, make friends easily, and grow into happy, capable adults.
But with so much pressure on academics these days, it’s easy to let those inner worries take over and wonder: Am I doing enough?
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.
At Wildlings, we believe in the power of long-term, immersive nature play. While a single adventure in the forest can spark excitement, the real magic happens when children return, week after week, to the same wild spaces.
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.
Keen for adventure but dreading the chaotic clean-up? The key is to anticipate messes and pack accordingly so you can stay relaxed while your child immerses themselves in the natural world.
Risky play is essential for children’s growth, allowing them to test boundaries, develop resilience, and build critical thinking skills. Here’s how to embrace the benefits of risky play while keeping safety in mind and regulating your own responses.
When children turn a stick into a sword or a bow, they aren't promoting harm—they're stepping into a world of make-believe.
Helping children overcome their fear of creepy crawlies is about more than just addressing fears—it’s about helping them fall in love with the intricate web of life all around us.
To help families embrace mindful movement, we’ve created a free, downloadable guide featuring animal yoga poses inspired by iconic Australian wildlife.
When done mindfully, foraging transforms everyday walks into treasure hunts. It’s an activity that fosters curiosity, cultivates patience, and enriches family and learning experiences.
Gifting hand tools opens up a world of exploration, creativity, and learning for kids. It’s not just a gift—it’s an investment in their growth, resilience, and connection to nature.
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.
One afternoon in the great outdoors is a fantastic start, but to truly experience the transformative effects of nature, our children (and we as parents!) need consistent, frequent time immersed in the natural world.
Being part of Wildlings, both as a parent and a team member, has profoundly changed me—not just in how I parent but in how I view all children and the way society treats them.
It also made me rethink how I wanted my Wildling to navigate the school system—what experiences were worth pursuing and what simply weren’t.