We all want it. That deep assurance that "today I truly connected with my child". That knowing smile between mother and child; the shared experience carved deep in our hearts and minds. It can be so elusive in our distraction-filled world. But I have found a secret to making those moments happen more often - even daily. The secret is so simple, requires no money and actually very little time. The secret is simply exploring ...
Nature Study
The Art Habit for Moms – My New FREE Course
I hear myself saying to my daughter for what feels like the sixty-fourth time today, "You need to practice. The more you practice, the better you'll get". I stop in my tracks and listen. The voice in my head says, "Dear Hannah, YOU need to take your own advice". Making Art a Priority As moms, we encourage our kids to find what they love and do our best to help make their goals and ambitions a daily priority. We shuttle them to classes and ...
Our Favorite Nature Study Tools
You don't really need much to enjoy nature, but sometimes it's fun to invest in a few supplies that can make the experience more memorable and enjoyable. Here is a list of our family's favorite nature study tools. I'll add to it as we find new things (because we are always finding new things!). There are so many benefits for getting out in nature. You can read about them here, here, here, and here! Just click on the pictures ...
Why Your Child Needs Unstructured PLAY
Here at Lily and Thistle, we talk a lot about art and nature. In all of my research, I've found that the foundation of creativity and happiness for kids is PLAY. Do you remember what it felt like to play as a kid? I'm talking about real play, the kind initiated and driven by kids. Building tree forts, creating miniature houses or cities in the sand, one child staring at an ant carrying a crumb, while a few others start a club in a garage. No ...
Just a Day in March -Scavenger Hunt Idea
"It was on of those March days, when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold; when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens Some drawing time... [mailerlite_form form_id=4] Time for a scavenger hunt! Ah, March! [mailerlite_form form_id=4] ...