I want to raise a generation of kids that are free.
I want my boys to explore. To be adventurous.
To ask questions, to look at things and wonder why and why not.
I want to raise up a generation that isn’t afraid to get dirty.
I want my boys to never lose their sense of wonder. I want them to dream and think and do.
We seem to live in a world where it’s okay to be little, until it’s not.
We create boxes and raise inhabitants for those boxes.
I don’t want that.
I want my little ones to see life as an adventure.
To dig their hands into creation and to use their dreams and thoughts and words and actions for good.
I want my boys to know that it’s okay — good even — to ask questions. To venture off the beaten path when their hearts are lead elsewhere.
I want my boys to be thirsty for adventure — even if that journey takes place in their own backyard.
I want to raise children who are bold. Who are brave.
A billion books are stacked on shelves in stores around the world telling us how to be the perfect parent.
Pages on pages outline parenting philosophies. What’s better. What’s best.
I’m just a young mom of two young children, but here’s what I know: We set the course for our adventures.
As a mother, I get to hold the map and point out the treasure.
What my boys see in me will — for better or for worse — help them develop their own sense of self. Their own take on the world.
So where does that leave me?
If I want my boys to be messy and brave, then I need to be messy and brave.
As parents, we need to let our kids be little.
We need to inspire and encourage them to be the unique, amazing little people they were created to be.
So here’s to more adventures. The big ones. The little ones.
We’re not just raising a generation — we’re changing the world.
It may get a little messy, but it’s pretty beautiful, too.
all free clear generously sponsored this post, which I’m so thrilled about, because as you can see — my brood is quite messy.
We’ve actually been using all free clear since Asher was born, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s 100% hypoallergenic — and the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin.
I love using the mighty pacs — they’re tough on stains, yet gentle enough for our little ones.
We’re also fans all free clear new liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets — Asher has sensitive skin, and has never had a reaction to any of the all free clear products.
In fact, all® free clear detergent (liquid and mighty pacs), fabric softener and dryer sheets have received the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™.
Hop on over to all free clear’s Facebook page (there may even be a coupon floating around).
Now, let’s go on an adventure.
many sparrows 
Your boys are adorable and I couldn’t agree more. I’ll have to try out this detergent too, I have sensitive skin, especially to soaps.
I wrote a post similar to this about Saying Yes to More Mud Puddles. I am a clean freak and I work really hard letting my daughter know getting dirty is ok, although maybe not this week as our washing machine is eating holes in all her clothes. 😦 Be brave and messy with them – I like that. Sometimes I forget to join in the messy fun, and she needs to see me willing to do that with her.
Such beautiful photos! What a great outlook. Life is a grand adventure, we all need to teach our kids that.
What a beautiful post! It looks like your boys are having a blast! We have sensitive skin issues in our family too, and our dermatologist also recommends All Free Clear. 🙂
children have lost SO much these days
I love that my girls love to get dirty, explore, and just be kids. I too want to raise a generation that is free. We used to use All free and clear it was so perfect for my little ones sensitive skin.
Kids need to be playing more outside! I see a lot of parents not wanting girls in particular to get dirty/messy, although it is part of exploration.
Oh my goodness. This post gave me chills. No kiddos yet in this house, but adoption is SO on my heart. And I am not in a real-life Christian community where adoption is really something that people do. It seems so common in other circles! LOVE everything about your heart and your writing style AND your calligraphy font. 😉 Love, your FTL launch team member! 😉
Hey, Diana! I am SO sorry that I didn’t see your comment until MONTHS later. I took a blogging break for the summer. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. xoxo!