Mrs. Arensberg

What’s the craziest documentary you’ve watched recently? I need recommendations!

I took this picture of the e scene left behind by my son and his friends, and immediately felt like I had captured a piece of pure childhood.

A neighborhood pal’s bike tossed on the sidewalk. Baseball gloves left in the grass. Kids too busy playing to care where anything landed.

I worry sometimes about how much screens are replacing moments like this.

There is something so important about long summer afternoons spent outside. The boredom that turns into creativity. The independence, the imagination, the conversations between neighborhood kids. The freedom of riding your bike until dark and coming home sweaty, tired, and happy.

Childhood is meant to be lived, not just watched through a screen. Maybe that’s why this picture feels so special to me. It feels like proof that these kinds of summers still exist!

This just about scared me to death. I didn’t even know we HAD an imminent threat warning system!
My heart rate just went through the roof!

One thing I really love about this book is the reminder that not every meaningful moment has to be big or exciting. The Spaces In Between encourages kids to slow down, notice the world around them, and find calm in everyday moments.

This would be such a great book for teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation, gratitude, and self awareness. Perfect for helping kids learn how to pause, breathe, and be present when life feels overwhelming. Also great for introducing a calm corner!

Get it here (commissioned): https://amzn.to/4wZ9sY7

Definitely adding this one to my SEL favorites!

Officially entering the part of summer where I tell my kids to “go explore outside” and suddenly become the most relaxed mom on the block.

Kids don’t always need elaborate entertainment. Sometimes they just need a little mission, a bucket for treasures, and permission to wander around looking at bugs, leaves, rocks, and all the little things we adults stopped noticing a long time ago.

This scavenger hunt kept my child busy, moving, imagining, collecting, and creating while I actually sat down for a minute. A win for everyone involved!

Saving simple little backyard magic all summer long 🤍

What’s something your kids would definitely bring back during this scavenger hunt?